HIV AIDS and TB AwarenessMedical Work in South Africa

£ 550

$ 945

€ 600

• Learn about the effects of HIV/AIDS in Africa
• Create awareness in rural communities
• Be part of a very dedicated team of medical professionals
• Assist in static and mobile clinics
• Make a real difference in the communities heavily affected by the AIDS and TB endemic

The Knysna HAART clinic cares for 900 HIV positive adults and children on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy or ARVs. 25 to 30 new patients per month are started on this life saving medication.

EDGE of AFRICA is working in conjunction with the following organisations to provide support through our volunteer programs. Volunteers can expect to experience four sections of the medical industry, each having a vital part to play in health awareness of the area:

• Provincial Hospital
• THATS IT - who provide work place based counselling and HIV testing
• HOSPICE

The diverse team include:

• Highly skilled counselors
• Health care trained nursing sisters
• Dieticians
• Social Workers
• Doctors

Guidelines for HIV management developed by the Western Cape Department of Health are followed. This service has outcomes which are amongst the best in the world.

No experience is necessary and we accept volunteers from any background. Volunteers with a community development or medical background may consider joining this program for work related experience.

Volunteers should be physically fit and mentally positive!

Professional medical and nursing staff will need to be registered with the South African government regulatory bodies in order to perform invasive procedures and tasks.Whatever you can offer, we can find a niche for you and it is guaranteed that you will learn a huge amount about this exciting area of health care.

Duties include:

• Educating patients
• Developing income generated projects and the business plans thereof
• Administrative tasks
• Data capture
• Simple health tasks, measuring patients weight and checking adherence to therapy
• Establishing vegetable gardens
• Support pregnant mothers and their children

Day to day tasks may vary because of the nature of this industry.

The Garden Route is situated on the east coast of South Africa and is true to its name – being world famous for its diversity, beauty and mild climate. Spectacular scenery includes a pristine coastline, huge wetlands, salt marshes, rivers, mountains crowded closely to the shoreline, tall indigenous forests, vividly coloured wild flowers and the unique fynbos flora.

Projects are based in various areas of the Garden Route, including near the popular holiday destinations of Mossel Bay and Knysna. Both have all amenities that you will need and are situated along a picturesque coastline.

You will be based in simple, clean, dorm style accommodation at our cosy volunteers house, located in Knysna, as well as on-site at the various reserves and national parks. Private, twin or family rooms are available on request.

Should you wish to travel outside of the project during your stay, we will happily recommend safe, comfortable accommodation in the Garden Route.

All meals will be provided – all healthy, hearty food – some ready made and some do-it-yourself.

• Breakfast: Light selection of breads, cereals, fruits, tea, coffee and juice
• Lunch: Sandwiches, salads, pitas, bread rolls or wraps
• Dinner: A few ready cooked dinners and the rest left to your own tastes. All ingredients and menu plans will be provided.

You can expect a range of many different dishes. All meals are prepared according to your specific tastes as best as possible. Specific food requirements, however, are only subject to request.