ARUSHA, MWANZA AND KILIMANJARO TANZANIA
Program Overview:
Arusha’s under-resourced healthcare system faces overwhelming demand, with public hospitals serving 200+ patients daily on limited budgets. This critical program places volunteers and interns at two frontline facilities: a 250-bed regional hospital performing 1,500+ annual surgeries, and a 45-bed health center handling 500+ surgeries yearly. You’ll work alongside Tanzanian medical staff across pediatrics, HIV/TB clinics, maternal health, mental health, and surgical units to deliver life-changing care in East Africa’s healthcare hub.
Why We Do This:
- Reduce preventable deaths in underserved communities
- Support overburdened medical staff with skilled assistance
- Improve health education in high-disease areas
- Provide clinical experience in resource-limited settings
- Build cross-cultural healthcare partnerships
What You’ll Do Daily:
| Time | Pre-Medical Volunteers | Medical Students/Professionals |
|---|---|---|
| Morning | Patient triage • Wound care • Admin support | Patient rounds • Blood pressure screening • Lab assistance |
| Midday | Sterilization • Vaccine support • Health records | Wound suturing • Testing counseling • Pharmacy support |
| Afternoon | Outreach preparation • Equipment organization | Surgical observation • Maternal health checks • Diagnosis shadowing |
| Evening | Community health workshops • Next-day planning | Case studies with doctors • Training sessions |
Core Responsibilities:
✅ Conduct patient vitals checks and triage
✅ Assist in wound care and sterilization
✅ Support maternal/child health clinics
✅ Participate in HIV/TB testing outreach
✅ Organize medical supplies and records
✅ Observe surgeries (qualified participants)
✅ Lead health education workshops
Project Locations:
Arusha Regional Hospital:
- 250+ outpatients daily • 250-bed capacity • 1500+ annual surgeries
- Departments: Pediatrics, Surgery, TB/HIV Clinic, Mental Health
Arusha Government Health Center:
- 150-200 daily outpatients • 45 beds • 500+ annual surgeries
- Focus: Maternal Health, Dental, Ophthalmology, Malaria Treatment
Duration & Pricing
| Weeks | Cost | What’s Included |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $425 | Hospital donation + supplies |
| 2 | $625 | Full clinical immersion |
| 3+ | $200/wk | Extended placement discount |
Arrival & Orientation:
- Airport Pickup: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Accommodation: Secure volunteer house near hospital district
- Training Week:
• Medical ethics & safety protocols
• Swahili medical terminology crash course
• Hospital navigation & department rotations - Schedule: 7:30am-4pm (Mon-Fri) with on-call opportunities
Human-Centered Approach:
- Use “Tuko Pamoja” (We’re together) philosophy in patient care
- Apply visual aids for non-verbal diagnosis communication
- Always ask “Mgonjwa ana nini?” (What ails the patient?) before treatment
- Document cases with “photo stories” (patient permission required)
What to Expect:
- High-volume clinics with diverse cases
- Resourceful solutions for equipment shortages
- Emotional moments in pediatric/HIV wards
- Collaborative learning with Tanzanian interns
- Deep cultural insights into traditional healing practices
Impact Areas
| Department | Volunteer Activities |
|---|---|
| Pediatrics | Growth monitoring • Vaccinations • Play therapy |
| Maternal Health | Prenatal checks • Delivery support • Postpartum care |
| Surgery | Pre-op prep • Instrument sterilization • Recovery monitoring |
| HIV/TB Clinic | Testing • Adherence counseling • Stigma reduction |
| Community Outreach | Mobile clinics • School health checks • Disease prevention |
*Pre-med students welcome! All clinical work supervised by licensed professionals. Minimum age: 20*
Key Requirements
- Language: Fluent English (Swahili training provided)
- Vaccinations: Yellow Fever required
- Background: Healthcare students/professionals preferred
- Registration: $350
- Booking: Minimum 8 weeks advance notice
Weekend Medical Electives (Optional)
- Mobile Clinic Safari: $280 (3-day health outreach in Maasai villages)
- Traditional Medicine Workshop: $90 (herbal remedies with local healers)
- HIV Awareness Expedition: $150 (community education in remote areas)
OTHER FEATURED PROGRAM
Street Children Program
Provide love, education, and safety to vulnerable street kids in Tanzania. Volunteer in shelters and outreach programs, offering mentorship, basic schooling, and emotional support to children in need. No experience required – just compassion.
