4.7/5 on Google Reviews

9.3/10 on GoAbroad

4.9/5 on Go Overseas

Traveller Gateway Login

Public Health Internship in Zambia

INTERN

MEDICAL

Help Improve the Community's Access to Quality Healthcare

Join us for a transformative 4-week journey in Livingstone, Zambia, where you’ll become an integral part of a global health initiative designed to revolutionise access to quality healthcare in this vibrant town.

This unique internship program transcends traditional observation, placing you at the forefront of impactful change. You’ll collaborate with passionate healthcare workers, professionals, and NGOs, gaining invaluable insights into the current health landscape. Your contributions will extend far beyond passive observation. Partner with local communities to understand their specific healthcare needs and challenges, analysing data and engaging in open dialogue. Witness firsthand the challenges and triumphs of delivering effective care in a resource-limited setting.

Project highlights

Clinic Assistance

Work with local healthcare providers to help clinics manage their workload and gain experience at the same time.

Home-Based Care

Accompany local caregivers to rural homes of those unable to reach clinics.

360 Degree Experience

Obtain practical experience, exploring key issues in Zambia’s public healthcare system and bringing research-driven change.

Afternoon Projects

Participate in activities focused on uplifting and educating the local community.

Livingstone, Zambia

Available: Year Round

Duration:
4 Weeks

Price From $3,450
This cost covers your accommodation, meals, project fees, transfers, 24/7 support and in-country orientation.

Project impact areas

Here’s how you will create significant impact through the Public Health Internship in Zambia.

MEDICAL

Public Healthcare

Expand your understanding by joining home-based care visits on the outskirts of Livingstone. Witness the dedication and resilience of healthcare workers as they navigate the daily difficulties and limitations of the healthcare system. This immersive experience will challenge your perspectives and equip you with invaluable knowledge and empathy, shaping your future contributions to the field of public health.

U.N. Sustainable Development Goals

1. No poverty

2. Zero hunger

3. Quality education

4. Gender equality

MEDICAL

Proactive Outreach

Effecting interventions at grassroots level can be highly useful in accomplishing change. Engage in dynamic discussions on critical issues like teenage pregnancy, pre- and post-natal care, and disease management alongside local midwives and healthcare experts. Witness firsthand the challenges and triumphs of proactive outreach and preventive care as you connect with at-risk individuals in the community.

U.N. Sustainable Development Goals

1. No poverty

2. Zero hunger

3. Quality education

4. Gender equality

MEDICAL

Workshops

By delivering a series of workshops on varying topics, you’ll find your internship experience to be dynamic and fulfilling in surprising ways. Your role goes beyond simply delivering information. You’ll foster a safe and inclusive space where open dialogue and active participation are encouraged. You may present on HIV, talk to different schools or establishments, or compare the dynamics of rural vs urban medicine.

U.N. Sustainable Development Goals

1. No poverty

2. Zero hunger

3. Quality education

4. Gender equality

Example Daily Schedule

Monday - Friday

Morning

07:45 – 11:00

Medical Work such as Clinic Assistance or Home-based Care

11:00 – 12.00

Free time

Lunch

12:00 – 12:30

Afternoon

12:30 – 13:00

Preparation for Afternoon Activities

13:30 – 16:00

Community Development Activities (Dependent on Community Needs)

Dinner

18:30 – 19:00

Evening

19:00 – 21:00

Free time, games night or movie night

Accommodation & Meals

Livingstone, Zambia

Your home away from home in Livingstone is a friendly, secure volunteer base with comfortable shared rooms and social communal spaces.

You’ll stay at Victoria Falls Backpackers in a comfortable, social volunteer set-up with shared rooms (4–8 beds), hot-water shared bathrooms, and access to facilities like a dining area, bar and swimming pool. It’s also an easy walk to Livingstone town centre for shops, cafés and restaurants.

You’ll be supported by African Impact staff throughout, with a full orientation on arrival. The base has 24/7 security, clear safety procedures, and robust participant and child-protection policies in place.

Life at the Base

Livingstone, Zambia

Livingstone is a vibrant, soulful town with a friendly atmosphere. It is known as the adventure capital of Africa, situated close to Victoria Falls. Adventure isn’t all that awaits female empowerment volunteers in Zambia – Livingstone’s heart beats with the rhythm of a rich culture and history. Enjoy dinner overlooking the Zambezi river and take in the most spectacular sunsets you’ve ever seen.

On the weekends, you can chase adrenaline at Victoria Falls with white-water rafting, bungee jumping or a gorge swing, take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi, join a game drive in a nearby national park, explore local markets and culture, or simply unwind by the pool with your volunteer crew.

SIM cards can be purchased from most shops or at the airport with various packages allowing for phone calls and/or data usage. Our accommodation offers free WiFi that enables you to make contact with home. Power and electricity supply can be intermittent in Livingstone and its surrounds so do bring your power banks and embrace patience if you encounter an outage. TIP: Ensure your cellphone is enabled to allow for a foreign SIM card if you intend to use one.

Arrive at Harry Mwanga Nkumbula (Livingstone) International Airport (LVI) on your Monday start date, landing between 9am and 6pm in order to make the complimentary transfer service. Look for the African Impact sign – a friendly face will be there to welcome you!

Our brilliant African Impact team, led by Base Manager Sander, will look after you during your time with us! Whichever project you choose, you’ll get to know everyone incredibly well both out on project and around the base. Our crew of changemakers are waiting to welcome you to Livingstone!

Our base has outsourced security staff patrolling 24/7, and our team is trained in Health, Safety, and Environment (HSE) competencies. The base is equipped with fire safety equipment and evacuation plans. We have comprehensive policies, including child protection, to protect all participants. Upon arrival, trained staff will induct you on our policies, procedures, and code of conduct to ensure your safety and awareness.

Project Destination

Communication

Flights & Arrivals

Staff

Safety

Enquire Now

...the joy of making a real impact...

“I had quite literally the time of my life during my month here as a public health intern. I would definitely recommend one full month, if possible to any new volunteers. You’ll be amazed at the huge variety of meaningful, impactful work you’re able to do here. On any given day, I could be cleaning wounds in home-based care, supporting local 5-and-under clinics, teaching math or reading or rugby to after school clubs, and the list goes on. My primary focus here was as a public health intern where another volunteer and I worked under the guidance of staff to complete a pilot study on the local population. Fulfilling doesn’t even begin to describe my experience.”

Grant Mauthe, 25, United States

Project gallery

Pricing

Rates

USD GBP EUR AUD

Duration	Program Fee
4 weeks	$3,450 ($863 per week)
4 weeks	£2,760 (£690 per week)
4 weeks	€3,174 (€794 per week)
4 weeks	$5,106 ($1,277 per week)

Enquire Now

Inclusions

Backpacker style accommodation with swimming pool
Breakfast, lunch and dinner (Mon - Fri)
Airport transfers on arrival and departure
All project transport, equipment and resources
Support from experienced local and international African Impact staff
Full orientation for responsible project contribution

Exclusions

Price excludes flights, visas, insurance, weekend tours and personal expenses.

Requirements

The minimum age to join this project is 18 years old
The minimum stay for this project is 2 weeks

Enquire Now

Award-winning Volunteer and Internship Projects Since 2004

Enquire now

Volunteering in Africa means travelling with purpose- joining meaningful community or conservation projects, where you pay to cover your stay and project costs, turning your trip into an immersive, impactful experience rather than a traditional holiday.

"*" indicates required fields

First Name*

Last Name*

Email*

Phone*

Nationality*

Date of Birth*

Why do you want to join this project?*

STEP 2 - When would you like to join us?

Give us an idea of your travel plans - you can choose ‘I’m not sure yet’ if you aren't sure about your preferred start dates.

Select your start date

STEP 3 - How long do you want to stay for?

Please note you are not required to pay this amount at this stage.

How long do you want to Volunteer or Intern?

Please tick the box to agree to communicate with us:*

I agree to receiving communication from African Impact

By clicking submit below, you have agreed to our Privacy Policy and Terms and Conditions.

SMS & WhatsApp Opt-In*

I agree to receiving communication from African Impact

By opting in to SMS and WhatsApp communication, you give consent to receive text messages from African Impact that will assist in booking your placement. You can opt-out at any time by texting STOP.

Project faqs

What Kind Of Skills Will I Develop Through This Internship?

This program offers a unique opportunity to:

Enhance your cultural sensitivity and communication skills, analyse public health challenges, explore potential solutions, and gain valuable insights from experienced professionals. Participate in data collection and analysis, contributing to ongoing public health initiatives and gain practical experience in public health settings.

How Will This Internship Impact My Future Career Aspirations In Public Health?

This immersive experience will equip you with invaluable knowledge, practical skills, and cultural understanding, making you a more competitive and well-rounded candidate for future endeavours in public health. You’ll gain valuable firsthand experience, develop professional networks, and potentially discover specific areas of public health that ignite your passion and guide your future career path.

Is It Safe To Travel In Africa As An Intern?

Africa is a vast continent with diverse cultures and safety considerations that vary depending on the specific country and region. We prioritise the safety and well-being of our volunteers and carefully assess each program location. Additionally, our project staff are available to support you throughout your placement, ensuring you have a safe and enriching experience.

Enquire Now

Our favourite weekend activities in Zambia

Africa’s adventure capital offers no shortage of ways to spend your weekends as a volunteer. There’s something for everyone – from the adrenaline junkie to culturally intrigued traveller.

Safari Time

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offers a convenient safari where you can spot elephants, zebras and more, against beautiful backdrops of the Zambezi River. Chobe National Park, across the border in Botswana, is famed for its huge elephant population and an overnight safari is a popular weekend activity.

Victoria Falls

The mighty Zambezi River beckons with exhilarating activities: cruise its vast expanse, battle the rapids on a white-water rafting expedition, or explore hidden waterways on a tranquil canoe trip. Feeling truly adventurous? Take the plunge with a heart-stopping bungee jump or soar through the gorge on a thrilling swing.

Tours and Markets

Livingstone has a rich culture and you can embark on a walking or cycling village tour to a local African village, giving you further insight into the traditional way of life. You can also shop at some of the many markets and stock up on locally handmade goods for your loved ones back home or find interesting local foods to try.

Zambezi River

The mighty Zambezi River beckons with exhilarating activities: cruise its vast expanse, battle the rapids on a white-water rafting expedition, or explore hidden waterways on a tranquil canoe trip.