Public Health Outreach Project in Liberia
Volunteers who wish to specialize in the community outreach aspect of our Liberia Medicine & Healthcare programs can join a full time Public Health project. Whether you are on a gap year hoping to study medicine at university, a summer placement, or you already have some medical experience, you can make a big difference to local children and adults who would often struggle to access healthcare or afford the treatments without our outreach program.
The Public Health project is based on the outskirts of Monrovia and rural areas in Liberia. Volunteers live with a local Liberian host family, who will welcome you into their home and introduce you to the Liberian culture.
Volunteers work alongside a local healthcare professional who will train you in the various screening and testing procedures where possible. Volunteers are involved in the following types of work:
- General health testing (e.g. blood sugar levels, body mass index, blood pressure)
- Eye screening
- Screening for worms
- Minor wound and skin treatments
- Malaria testing and treatment
- Educational talks on general health issues (e.g. hygiene and first aid)
The public health outreach programme takes place in orphanages, schools, churches, villages and community markets or centres. Some days will be spent accompanying the team on outreaches to nearby villages, and others will be spent in the public health department at the main hospital. Volunteers usually work from Monday to Friday and have the weekends free to relax or travel.