Medical and nursing internship in Namibia

Program Description:

This internship, located in Epukiro in eastern Namibia, allows you to validate your academic year while contributing to the United Nations' goal of universal access to healthcare. It offers valuable field experience in a small rural clinic in a village of 500 inhabitants, mainly from the San and Herero communities. You will assist the doctor and nurse in their daily tasks, providing basic care, participating in consultations, administrative work, and clinic activities—all while discovering local culture and supporting people living in poverty.

Project Highlights:

• Assisting in the treatment of common infections.
• Working at the heart of a San community.
• 24/7 local support for volunteers.

Project Details:

The clinic treats around 3,500 patients per year, most of whom are children and young people. Common health issues include tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, alcoholism, and minor infections that can lead to serious complications in children. The team also carries out community outreach to teach basic healthcare practices.

Volunteer Role:

Volunteers assist local professionals and help identify common infections affecting the community. As students, they develop clinical skills, particularly in basic examinations and patient history taking. Professionals can handle consultations and support local teams. Regardless of their level of experience, all participants are involved in the clinic’s daily activities:

• First Aid: Initial observations, basic treatments, referral to emergency care.
• Examinations: Urine tests, pregnancy tests, glucose tests, data entry of results.
• Infant Follow-up: Weighing and growth chart monitoring.
• Blood Pressure Measurement.
• Pharmacy Assistance: Managing stock, packaging medication, placing orders.
• Support for Drug Users: Guidance towards sobriety.
• Community Visits: Accompanying nurses to nearby villages.
• Clinic Maintenance.
• Participation in Additional Projects: Vegetable garden, community programs, etc.