Madagascar Healthcare

Madagascar's dramatic forest landscape is home to a fascinating diversity of life, with baobab and aloe trees, lemurs, chameleons and a whole host of other species that are found nowhere else on earth! Its fantastically beautiful coastline boasts coral reefs rich in marine species, perfect for diving and snorkelling, and silky sanded beaches ideal for soaking up the bountiful sunshine. Madagascar's culture is vibrant and diverse; you will find bustling markets full of multi-coloured produce and hospitable locals shouting their wares.

By taking part in this programme you will be helping to improve the lives of the local community by providing healthcare education. Working in a variety of locations, this exciting programme will challenge you and open your eyes to the reality of raising awareness in a developing country, as well as giving you the chance to discover this land of glorious visual spectacles.

 

  

  

PROJECT HIGHLIGHTS

• Raise awareness in the local community
• Meet and engage with local people
• Discover intriguing and beautiful Madagascar
• Live in the volunteer house located in central Hellville
• Make lifelong friends with other volunteers

PROJECT REQUIREMENTS

• Previous experience or an interest in health and sanitation education, physiotherapy or paediatric medicine would be advantageous but is not a requirement.
• At least a basic ability in French is advantageous but is not a requirement.
• All placements are dependent upon the submission of an up-to-date CV and proof of medical qualifications and / or medical work experience.
• Criminal background check (DBS)

Location	Madagascar
Activities	Raise awareness of health, nutrition and fitness through community outreach services Provide assistance with the health education and training of local communities
Transport	Airport pickup weekly on a Monday. Alternative start dates possible, additional £20 applies for pickup, please speak to an adviser Internal ground transfers weekly on a Monday
Accommodation	Shared communal accommodation in the volunteer house in Hellville

Before you go	Pre-departure support Travel & medical advice & documentation Equipment advice Discounted medical kit Free Frontier t-shirt UK residential briefing weekend including food, accommodation and TEFL training (extra cost applies)
In-country	Food Accommodation Airport pickup weekly on a Monday. Alternative start date possible, additional £20 applies for pickup, please speak to an adviser Internal ground transfers weekly on a Monday Local orientation and training In-country emergency support 24-hour international HQ back-up

What Next? Apply Now!

WHAT DOES THE PROJECT DO?

Madagascar’s socio-economic demographic is changing fast and it is clear that the healthcare industry needs to change with it and have a clear plan to address the negative effects of urbanisation and modernisation.  At the same time the cost of healthcare and medical treatment is becoming increasingly expensive and is often unaffordable by the wider community where dietary problems are widespread and the most vulnerable suffer as a consequence.

It is the young and the old who lack access to appropriate medical attention and support programmes.  Even the few patients who can afford to go to hospital find the overcrowded system only addresses the symptoms of the disease through reactive drug treatment and is unable to provide comprehensive care and advice to tackle the cause of illness within the community.

The work of this project looks to lead by example with a range of positive healthcare initiatives and outreach projects to bring about this change, including promoting hygienic practices and encouraging active and healthy lifestyles.

WHAT WILL I BE DOING?

Volunteers' activities will depend on their qualifications and experience as well as on the availablility of local staff working at the project sites at time of placement. With all placements we will endeavour to accommodate your own previous work experience, interests and skills while taking into account the changing needs and priorities of the local community. 

You may find yourself working, assisting or observing in various areas at our project sites. This could include raising health and nutrition awareness through talks and presentations or teaching practical skills, such as handwashing and basic first aid. While working at the Centre Stella Maria your work will be focused on the education and rehabilitation of young children aged between 2 and 15 who are recovering from corrective surgery for serious physical handicaps. Volunteers are asked to remain flexible and use their initiative in order to get the most out of this placement. 

Healthcare placement working hours can vary immensely. The key to your success will depend on how much you are willing to contribute and how hard you are able to work. With an open mind and flexible attitude you will enjoy an experience to remember, make friends for life, and gain valuable work experience on important health related programmes.

What Next? Apply Now!

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN I ARRIVE?

Volunteers arriving weekly on a Monday will be welcomed by a Frontier representative at Nosy Be airport. From here it's a short taxi or minibus ride from the airport to the centre of the vibrant town of Hellville and your accommodation at the volunteer house.

Independent travellers arriving on dates other than weekly on a Monday can arrange a separate airport collection  at an extra cost of £20 by contacting the project staff.

WHERE WILL I BE STAYING?

During the project you'll live in a wonderfully located Volunteer House in the centre of Hell-Ville. You will enjoy a unique and memorable living experience. The house is approximately a ten minute walk from the local primary school where we base the majority of our work and has all of the principal amenities one would expect from such a setup – equipped kitchen, flushing toilet and running water shower! House life is however very simple, unsophisticated and fun and will give you as much as you are prepared to put into it. The ‘community’ feel of the house is excellent and you will be made to feel right at home.

WHAT WILL I BE EATING?

You will be provided with 3 simple and nutritious meals a day which will consists largely of locally sourced fresh fruit and vegetables, rice, beans and noodles, most of which is purchased from the nearby market and thereby helps to support the local economy. Luxuries such as chocolate, peanut butter and Nutella are available in the town, so can be accessed if you wish to treat yourself every once in a while!

Part of your role in the volunteer house will be to help with the cooking. Creating spectacular meals over our marvellous gas stoves will become second nature: so get your cookbooks out now and start thinking up recipes!

What Next? Apply Now!

NEXT TIME I WILL STAY FOR LONGER  | 16 Apr 2017
I was very anxious before my arrival in Madagascar to begin a Healthcare project of which I knew ...

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GIVING YOUNG CHILDREN A SECOND CHANCE AT LIFE  | 18 Mar 2017
This institute located on the beautiful beach of Abondrona, just a 30 minute taxi ride from Hell-...

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HEALTHCARE VOLUNTEERING  | 19 Jan 2017
Overall, had a great time working at the special needs school. It was a great chance to help the ...

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Madagascar Healthcare Project  | 18 Oct 2016
I was very anxious before arrival in Madagascar to begin a Healthcare project of which I knew alm...

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THE PROJECT HELPED SHAPE MY WORLD PERSPECTIVE  | 25 Sep 2016
My time in Madagascar was filled with excitement and adventure right from the start. My three wee...

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ADDITIONAL OPPORTUNITIES

A range of adventure and cultural activities, such as visits to remote villages, snorkelling, mountain treks and wildlife tours are available. You can arrange these in country, which helps contribute to the local economy.

Scuba diving courses may be available subject to availability of space and time constraints.

dive courses run monthly commencing on the first monday of the month

• Single Day snorkelling off the boats £10
• Single Day Dive £30
• Double Dive £50
• 4-dive package £100
• 10-dive package £200
• Diving weekend package £30 per person per night plus dive course cost (subject to staff availability)

courses*

• Discover Scuba Diving £65
• Open Water Dive Course £350
• Advanced Open Water £330
• Emergency First Responder £100
• Rescue Diver £300
• Dive Master £600

*Medical certificate is mandatory for participation in dive courses
 

Modern conveniences

Hellville

• Attractions e.g. Lemurland, Donia Festival
• Banks / ATMs; Bank of Africa, BFV-Société Générale, BNI-CL
• Bars / cafes
• Boats to the mainland & Boat Hire
• Hostels and hotels
• Internet cafe
• Medical clinic
• Nightclub
• Pharmacy
• Post office
• Street food
• Supermarket
• Taxis to the rest of the island
• Telecom office
• Traditional markets
• Western style restaurants
• Western Union

To apply for this project, or to register your interest, just click on the orange "Apply Now!" button at the top of the menu. Fill out and submit a short application form and then one of our advisors will give you a call back to answer any questions and to progress your application if you wish to continue.

There is no obligation when making an application, and you do not need to pay anything at this point.