PUBLIC HEALTH & COMMUNITY VOLUNTEERING IN ZAMBIA

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Home | Public Healthcare Volunteer Project in Zambia
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Impact:
Medical & Healthcare
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Destination:
Livingstone, Zambia
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Duration:
10 days+
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Fee: From $1,800
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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Offer Personalized Care to Rural Communities in Need

Calling all medical enthusiasts – whether pre-med, a seasoned professionals or purely an enthusiastic caregiver! Join African Impact and make a profound difference in rural Livingstone, Zambia. Witness firsthand the challenges of limited healthcare access, and become a beacon of hope for those in need. Deliver essential health care through home visits, clinic support, and educational workshops, tackling critical issues like HIV awareness and healthy living.

Empower communities to thrive by equipping them with the knowledge and resources they need to live healthier lives. This isn’t just public health volunteering in Zambia; it’s a transformative journey where your passion for medicine translates into tangible healing and empowerment, leaving a lasting impact on individuals and communities alike.

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Project Highlights

Here are some top highlights from this project.

CLINIC ASSISTANCE

Help local clinics manage their workload and gain experience.

HOME-BASED CARE

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

HEALTHCARE EXPERIENCE

Work in a variety of departments whilst assisting in medical clinics.

SUPPORT THE ELDERLY

Provide medical assistance and companionship to elderly members of the community.

AFTERNOON PROJECTS

Spend your afternoons on community projects.

HEALTHCARE EXPERIENCE

Work in a variety of departments whilst assisting in medical clinics.

CLINIC ASSISTANCE

Help local clinics manage their workload and gain experience.

HOME-BASED CARE

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

SUPPORT THE ELDERLY

Provide medical assistance and companionship to elderly members of the community.

AFTERNOON PROJECTS

Spend your afternoons on community projects.

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 their 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 Healthcare Volunteer Project in Zambia.

Clinic Support

Witness the realities of public healthcare in Zambia alongside dedicated local staff. Observe patient care in Livingstone’s formal and informal clinics, while gaining invaluable insights into their unique challenges. Limited equipment and high patient volumes create a demanding environment where your support will shine bright. Assist with taking vitals, streamlining patient flow, and lending a helping hand across departments, like adult/child outpatient, HIV/TB services, pharmacy, and maternity.

UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

SDG 2 logoSDG 3 logo

Home-based Care

Imagine bringing healthcare directly to those who need it most. In some of Livingstone’s communities, clinics are beyond reach. Join home-based carers on visits around the local community attending to everyday medical issues such as burns, bites, and cuts, for example. Carefully assess wounds, track progress, and monitor vital signs, ensuring each patient receives vital health care.

UN SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS

SDG 2 logoSDG 3 logo

Health Education

Share your health expertise through engaging talks at schools, training centres, and support groups. Facilitate workshops on crucial topics like living with HIV, nutrition, cervical cancer, and women’s health. Empower individuals to make informed choices, tailoring your message to their unique cultural context. Remember, knowledge is power! As a public health volunteer in Zambia you can translate your passion into action, motivating community members to embrace healthier lifestyles.

UN 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. Volunteers 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 volunteers stay in a comfortable, private house located within the vibrant Victoria Falls Backpackers. Volunteers 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 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 for healthcare, litter collection, and construction projects, and working at heights or with power tools is prohibited. 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 $1,800

Your weekly cost will reduce if you stay for longer than 10 days weeks, book with a friend or are a return volunteer.

Start day: Every Monday

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

The minimum age requirement for participation is 18.

DO YOU NEED SUPPORT?

Our experienced African Impact team is here to support you.

ASK US A QUESTION

CONTACT US

FAQs

Recent Reviews

“
Sarah Vahle, 42, United StatesPublic Healthcare Volunteer Project, Zambia

“I have had the most amazing experience with African Impact. From the staff, the other volunteers, the locals, everything about this place is magical. I was part of the medical team doing home based care and it was some of the most rewarding work I have done. In the afternoons I helped out with the reading club or the health club and the kids here in the schools are so eager to learn and absolutely lovely. In my spare time the activities that you can do around are abundant. I went on the safari in Chobe, Victoria falls, did karaoke at one of the local bars and so much more. I will never forget the connections I made with some of the most beautiful humans I have met. Zukomo!”

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Kianah Murao, 21, Canada/JapanPublic Healthcare Volunteer Project, Zambia

“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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Nicholas Jackson, 30, United StatesPublic Healthcare Volunteer Project, Zambia

“African Impact, Livingstone projects are truly amazing. They have well articulated goals and measurable endpoints. As far as volunteering, the projects are definitely reasonable. I was anticipating long days with minimal breaks. We never worked more than 8 hours in a day and always had a 2 hour lunch. It was truly a pleasure to get to work in the community. The community health workers are amazing. The AI staff is incredible. The Victoria falls backpackers is absolutely wonderful for accommodations.”

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Emily Smith, 26, United StatesPublic Healthcare Volunteer Project, Zambia

“Overall, medical volunteering was wonderful. I learned so much about the culture and community dynamics. Home Based care was very rewarding in comparison to work in the clinic. I truly felt like I was making a difference when working with patients in their space. The afternoon, community project put me pretty far out of my comfort zone, but I ended up enjoying them overall. I was not really prepared to do lessons with kids who don’t always know exactly what I’m saying, but it all worked out. All of the employees at African Impact were outstanding and extremely welcoming. I met so many people who I adore throughout the experience!”

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Alexa Pacheco, 19, United StatesPublic Healthcare Volunteer Project, Zambia

“This experience was something I will hold onto forever and will always be something I have the best memories of. Thank you to every single person on staff with AI for making volunteering possible and impactful. I can’t want to work with you guys again in the future!”

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Anna Tuttle, 21, UKPublic Healthcare Volunteer Project, Zambia

“A well organized organization. Very well looked after with excellent food and lovely staff. The project itself was really good, good hands on experience and was nice to be working with the community. You will be well looked after and get really good hands on experience, however I felt we could have spent more time on project.”

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Project FAQs

WHAT QUALIFICATIONS DO YOU NEED TO BECOME A PUBLIC HEALTH VOLUNTEER?

We place each volunteer in a healthcare setting in Zambia that perfectly suits their education, previous experience, interests, and the local community’s needs. We’ve welcomed everyone from nursing students, recently graduated doctors to experienced healthcare professionals in the past. If you have any questions about qualifications for volunteer opportunities, please contact us.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF BECOMING A COMMUNITY MEDICAL VOLUNTEER?

As a community medical volunteer in Zambia, you’ll be making real, transformative impacts on the lives of the local community members in desperate need of medical attention. Working alongside local doctors and nurses and gaining invaluable professional experience in global healthcare practices, this is an adventure like no other, powerfully transforming you and the local community alike.

WHAT ETHICAL CONSIDERATIONS ARE IN PLACE TO ENSURE I AM PROVIDING APPROPRIATE SUPPORT DURING MY PUBLIC HEALTH PLACEMENT?

We prioritise ethical and responsible volunteering practices through all our placements. You’ll never be expected to perform tasks beyond your training or qualifications, and our experienced program coordinators will closely supervise your involvement. We emphasise cultural sensitivity and respect for local customs and traditions throughout your placement. Additionally, we have established strong partnerships with local healthcare facilities, ensuring your contributions align with their existing needs and complement the work of qualified professionals.