Zambia – Victoria Falls Signature

The Need

***Note: Full COVID-19 Vaccination is Required for Participation***

Formerly a part of the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, Zambia is now a democratic republic located in the heart of Africa. While the tourism economy in Zambia is thriving, the quality of living for the country’s native ethnic groups is suffering. Life expectancy at birth is >50 years and 1.2 million children are orphans, primarily due to parental death from AIDS. Zambia has the nineteenth highest death rate in the world, due as much to dismal sanitation as infectious disease and autoimmune disorders. In the rural areas, less than 50% of the population has access to safe drinking water, and only 3.2% of rural families have electricity. Children average seven years of school, much of it missed due to diarrhea and other common illnesses.

In our experience, clinic in Zambia is one of the busiest trips that our volunteers work. At clinic, you will treat entire family units, elderly patients, expectant mothers, and orphans. Because Zambia has the nineteenth highest death rate in the world, you can expect to care for many ailing patients. Common diseases that you will treat include conditions related to AIDS, infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and diarrhea. 

You and the rest of the volunteer team will also educate locals on how to stay healthy and how to care for their loved ones. One of the main focuses of this mission is dentistry. Because dental pain is common here and because all community members are encouraged to attend, the demand for dental care will be high. We will have many local dental students and a professor at the dental school available to help translate and provide oral care.

Our Work

International Medical Relief first served Zambia in 2016. From 2016 to 2019, IMR has conducted six clinics, that consisted of 184 volunteers and staff who served around 6,000 patients. IMR plans to continue to provide community health training, medical treatments, medical supplies and equipment, and clinic operations in order to provide sustainable health care to Zambia. 

With diligent planning and preparation, IMR is dedicated to ensuring that specific goals are met on our missions, each in correlation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 17.

IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density, and a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders in association to UNSDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing. 

In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our organization works in collaboration and at the request of local hosts where we are under their direct influence and affluence. IMR never goes into a country without a formal invitation where there is a great community need for medical or dental care, and health education.

This Mission

Internal Medical Relief has organized several trips to Zambia in the past. In our experience, clinic in Zambia is one of the busiest trips that our volunteers work. At clinic, you will treat entire family units, elderly patients, expectant mothers, and orphans. On your special clinic day, you will have the opportunity to work with prison or elderly populations. Because Zambia has the nineteenth highest death rate in the world, you can expect to care for many ailing patients. Common diseases that you will treat include conditions related to AIDS, infectious diseases, autoimmune disorders, and diarrhea. 

You and the rest of the volunteer team will also educate locals on how to stay healthy and how to care for their loved ones. One of the main focuses of this mission is dentistry. Because dental pain is common here and because all community members are encouraged to attend, the demand for dental care will be high. We will have many local dental students and a professor at the dental school available to help translate and provide oral care.

Lodging/Transportation

Your accommodations for this trip will be at a pleasant waterfront lodge. The site is fully equipped with a pool, walking trails, and an upscale restaurant. Since this is a signature trip, you also have the option to update to a waterfront lodge in a nature park that houses both elephants and hippopotamuses. IMR will arrange safe and reliable transportation for the team to and from the airport and clinic. Although your car rides will be short, there will be ample scenery for you to enjoy!

Highlights

The highlight of this trip is serving patients who, without you and your team, would not have access to healthcare. In this humbling but rewarding service opportunity, you will work with isolated communities who will be eager to connect with you. Aside from clinic, you will love boating underneath Victoria Falls, horseback riding along the Zambia River, spotting the Big Five on a safari, and walking alongside lions and cheetahs. For the safari and walk, be sure you pack binoculars, camera, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and an area guidebook!

Extend Your Stay

Since you are already venturing across the globe, have you considered extending your stay by a few days to see Zambia’s most intriguing destinations? Did you know IMR offers an exclusive trip extension to its volunteers? By extending your trip for three additional days, you can visit Chobe National Park! This incredible park is Botswana’s most biologically diverse national park. It is home to one of the largest concentrations of big game animals in all of Africa and is particularly well known for its herds of elephants and buffalos, and its large lion prides! 

More trip inspiration can be found here: https://worldwidenavigators.com/trips/zambia-3-day-teaser/

For additional information, please contact our preferred travel agency, Worldwide Navigators. Their team of experienced agents and travelers is available via email at travel@worldwidenavigators.com.