Medical staff in Zanzibar
Medical Placement in Zanzibar
Be part of a medical program at the local hospital and gain valuable knowledge

Be part of a medical program at the local hospital and gain valuable knowledge

Women collecting on the beach in Zanzibar
Beach Food
Women in the beach collecting food

Women in the beach collecting food

Lady walking in a town in Zanzibar
Zanzibar Town
Woman walking in a small town

Woman walking in a small town

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Overview

The local Hospital was started around 1923. It is situated at the heart of historic Stone Town and is right next to the state house of Zanzibar. It is the main referral hospital for both of the islands which make up Zanzibar. It consists of three different hospital buildings, the main one located at Mnazi Mmoja itself and of the other two, one is located at Mwembeladu (maternity hospital) and the other one is at Kidongo Chekundu (mental hospital). It provides most services available at many referral hospitals including, but not limited to: ENT services, OB/GYN, ICU, Pediatrics, Eye, general surgeries and many more.

As the main referral hospital, it is also the teaching hospital for health colleges and universities on the island. In this capacity this healthcare provider is a true resource for the communities it serves. Shortages of medical equipment and supplies contribute to a host of health problems in Tanzania, and this presents a tremendous challenge for achieving the third goal of the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development - Good Health and Well Being. Therefore, in order to be actively involved in the Hospital medical program, participants need to have some medical experience and/or background in order to shadow and learn more about healthcare service delivery. Based on your medical skill level and experience, you will be given a variety of tasks to help out in the hospital, thereby serving those with limited access to affordable quality health care.

Participants joining this program can contribute to the hospital by providing their knowledge and skills, and also by donating additional resources/supplies, helping to bridge the financial gap and supporting the local community members.

Some of the tasks/duties may include but are not limited to: observing and/or monitoring the patients, treatment techniques, and providing health outreach information, etc.

Objectives

  • Support the hospital staff with medical assistance
  • Add to your practical healthcare work experience
  • Observe the medical practices of local staff at the hospital in Zanzibar
  • Broaden your perspective of international medical care and treatment

Impact

Volunteer experiences have a direct and positive impact on local communities by injecting money into the local economy through the purchase of food, transportation, and tourism activities. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the comunity and make a difference in the world. Depending on the type of volunteer experience you are interested in, your time can be spent improving educational resources and opportunities, providing medical services to underserved communities, or promoting environmental conservation and sustainable farming techniques.

One Tree Planted logo

25 trees will be planted on your behalf for every experience purchased, via our partnership with One Tree Planted.

See more at onetreeplanted.org

1% for the planetlogo

1% of gross sales will be donated to 1% for the Planet-approved charities via our partnership with 1% for the Planet.

See more at onepercentfortheplanet.org

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Location

Zanzibar (Stone Town), Tanzania

Zanzibar is an amazing enigma that tempts you to explore it from end to end. It is a semi-autonomous region within the United Republic of Tanzania and it is comprised of two main islands, Unguja and Pemba, and a number of sparsely populated islets. After the 1964 revolution, Zanzibar joined with the then Tanganyika to form the United Republic of Tanzania. Zanzibar maintains its own government and is directly responsible for all non-union affairs, including health services.

Unguja Island covers an area of about 1,464 square kilometers and Pemba Island covers an area of about 864 square kilometers. The local people are a mixture of ethnic backgrounds. Islam is the dominant religion and practiced by most of Zanzibaris, although there are also followers of Christianity and other ethnic beliefs. Swahili is a local language used by people and is spoken extensively in Zanzibar. English is also spoken by many people.

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Itinerary

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Sunday - Arrival
  • Arrival to Zanzibar and transfer to accommodation site for your full orientation program
  • Explanation of your local surroundings such as ATM, convenience stores as well as the overview of your program and rules to be followed.
  • Visit the historical old part of Zanzibar, Stone Town.
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Monday - Friday

You will spend five hours or more each day assisting at the hospital with a lunch break in between. The day could look like:

  • Breakfast
  • Assisting with health care service provision at the local center/hospital
  • Lunch
  • Assisting with health care service provision at the local center/hospital
  • Dinner
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Saturday - Departure
Transfer to ZNZ airport
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Inclusions

  • Shared Accomodation
  • All meals included
  • Arrival Transfer (included with 2 wk+ trips)
  • Free beverages
  • Wifi in public areas
  • Departure Transfer
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Options

  • Extra night accomodation (before experience)$60
  • Extra night accomodation (after experience)$60
  • Pick-ups outside of the regular pickup window$60
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More Information

Requirements

  • minimum age18
  • minimum english levelBasic
  • CRB RequiredOn signup
  • passport copy requiredOn signup
  • resume copy requiredYes

Other Requirements

  • You must have an established medical background – studying on a pre-medical track, medicine, nursing, pharmacy, occupational/physical therapy, or working in a relevant field.
  • Recommendation letter from University for students
  • Letter of good conduct
  • Work Permit
  • Modest clothing - covering the knees and shoulders is required while working
  • Medical gloves, scrubs and masks for yourself

Food

Local meals that are typical of Zanzibari culture will be provided at this accommodation.

Accommodation

You will be staying in a traditional and comfortable guesthouse with multiple bedrooms, communal bathrooms, a kitchen and one sitting room -- suitable for enjoying the company of your fellow participants. Please note that all rooms are single gender. All meals will be provided at this accommodation.

Cancellation Policy

Bookings can be amended and cancelled 30 days before the program start date without any costs. Bookings that are cancelled less than 30 days before the program start date will be charged the first week of the booking.

Medical Experience in Zanzibar, Tanzania

CategoryLearning
Stylebackpacker
AvailabilityOpen
Price per person$735/week
Minimum Duration1 week
$undefined/week