PUBLIC HEALTH INTERNSHIP IN ZAMBIA

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Home | Public Health Internship in Zambia
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Impact:
Medical & Healthcare
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Destination:
Livingstone, Zambia
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Duration:
4 Weeks
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Fee: From $2,650
This cost covers your accommodation, meals, project fees, transfers, 24/7 support and in-country orientation.
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SDG’s:
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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.

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Project Highlights

Here are some top highlights from this project.

AFTERNOON PROJECTS

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

COMMUNITY HEALTH

Explore how a variety of health issues intersect with gender, environmental and behavioural studies.

360 DEGREE EXPERIENCE

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

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.

COMMUNITY HEALTH

Explore how a variety of health issues intersect with gender, environmental and behavioural studies.

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.

Project Destination

Livingstone is a vibrant, soulful town with a friendly atmosphere. However, Zambia grapples with significant health challenges, including 1.2 million people living with HIV, with only 40% of the population possessing comprehensive knowledge about the disease. In rural areas surrounding Livingstone, healthcare access is severely limited, with few clinics struggling under resource constraints and long wait times. Many residents must rely on immediate family for support due to the scarcity of accessible medical facilities. By volunteering in Livingstone, you can make a meaningful impact by assisting local caregivers with home-based care. This experience not only allows you to contribute to community health but also offers valuable insights into Zambian society and its healthcare system.

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Project Impact Areas

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

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

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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

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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

SDG 2 logoSDG 3 logo

Important Logistics and Ground Support

Everything you need to know about this project in one place!

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Flights & Arrivals

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!

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Location

Our base in situated in the heart of Livingstone. You will be staying in a comfortable, private house within the vibrant Victoria Falls Backpackers. Interns have access to all facilities, including a dining area, bar, swimming pool, and rock-climbing wall. The Backpackers is just a 5-minute walk from Livingstone’s town centre, with grocery stores, cafes, bars, and restaurants.

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Accommodation

All African Impact interns and volunteers stay in a comfortable, private house located within the vibrant Victoria Falls Backpackers. You will have access to all the facilities, including a spacious dining area, bar, swimming pool, and even a rock-climbing wall! ​

The backpackers is conveniently located a short 5-minute walk away from the town centre of Livingstone, where you’ll find grocery stores, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Bedrooms sleep 4-8 people, with bunk beds in each room, and there are shared bathrooms with hot water showers.

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Meals

As an iconic tourist destination, Livingstone and its surrounds cater to international guests with a wide variety of food options. Enjoy authentic stews, local beers and of course – an open flame braai (barbeque). All of our projects cater for vegetarians, vegans and various food group intolerances with sufficient notice.

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Communication

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.

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Climate

Zambia is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, located to the east of Angola. There are two main climate seasons that affect the weather in Zambia, the rainy season (November to April), which is equivalent to summer, and the dry season (May or June to October or November), which corresponds to winter. The dry season is subdivided into the cool dry season (May/June to August) and the hot dry season (September to October/November).

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Staff

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!

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Safety

Our projects are committed to safeguarding our interns, volunteers, staff, the communities we work in, and the environment. 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. All vehicles are well-maintained, and our licensed drivers know safe routes in the townships, where projects occur in enclosed venues.

Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) is provided forthe public heath internship. 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.

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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.

Wildlife up close!

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.

Adrenaline activities

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.

Time to shop!

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.

Thrill-seekers paradise

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.

How to Apply

Choose a destination in Africa and a project then enquire to ask any questions.

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Connect with our advisors who can answer any questions you have.

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Once you are ready, head to our booking form, secure your place with a small deposit.

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Get ready to volunteer or intern abroad. Our team will support you at every step!

Project Enquiry

After completing the below project enquiry form, one of our Destination Specialists will get in touch to discuss your volunteer experience and any questions you may have. When you are ready to book, we can send you a booking form or you can book directly from this page too.

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STEP 1 - Personal Information

Let's collect some basic information to get started.

STEP 2 - When do you want to Volunteer or Intern?

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

STEP 3 - How long do you want to Volunteer or Intern for?

Select your preferred duration.
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Project Booking

Please complete the details below in order for us to provisionally hold a space on your preferred project. A deposit will be required to secure your position. By submitting these details you agree to our Terms and Conditions.

PRICE

From $2,650

Your weekly cost will reduce if you stay for longer than 2 weeks, book with a friend or are a return volunteer.

Start days: Once per month

PROJECT FEE INCLUDES

  • 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

PROJECT FEE EXCLUDES

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

PARTICIPANT REQUIREMENTS

Our minimum age for this project is 18 years of age.

DO YOU NEED SUPPORT?

Our experienced African Impact team is here to support you.

ASK US A QUESTION

CONTACT US

FAQs

Recent Reviews

“
Grant Mauthe, 25Public Health Internship in Zambia, USA

“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. It takes several days to settle in, and several more to find your groove, but once you do, 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. The only thing more enjoyable than my daily work was the incredible group of kind and selfless staff and volunteers that have become some of my best friends for life. I was nervous about what this experience would look like going in, and could not have been more pleasantly surprised.”

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Justin TPublic Health Internship in Zambia, USA

“I came into this program looking for some hands-on experience in the medical field. What I got out if it was so much more than I could have ever dreamed. When you wake up in the morning, I always do so with a smile because I know that today I'll be able to help someone that actually needs it. For a long time now I've been on the fence about whether or not I should commit down the medical path. After my time here on this program, I can say with confidence that I'm pretty sure I will become a doctor.”

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Kailee RPublic Health Internship in Zambia, USA

“Working with African Impact was one of the best decisions that I could have made! It was so cool to experience Africa from the viewpoint of a medical participant. Going into the villages and meeting people in personal situations made the whole experience much more meaningful. African Impact is a great organization to work with and they are so willing to work with you to help you have the best experience possible.”

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Carter Spawn, 21Public Health Internship in Zambia, USA

“This internship was absolutely incredible. I felt like I was doing valuable work in the communities and schools and was able to truly see the conditions and issues in Livingstone. The accommodations were good, despite load shedding.”

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Kianah Murao, 21Public Health Internship in Zambia, Canada

“My experience with African Impact in Livingstone has been unforgettable! The public health internship was a great opportunity to explore an area of health within the community and have opportunities for hands-on experience volunteering in local communities and clinics. As volunteers, we also had the opportunity to help in other community-based initiatives including education, sports, building and cleaning efforts. The staff were all very welcoming and readily available to answer any questions and concerns throughout my time in Zambia. I have met so many incredible people through this experience and have learned a lot about Zambian culture. I would recommend this experience to anyone who is keen on observing and experiencing new cultures as the experience has been very immersive. Thank you again African Impact!”

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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.