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Public Health & Community Volunteer Project in Zambia

Home | Volunteer Programs in Africa | Medical and Healthcare Volunteer Programs in Africa | Public Health & Community Volunteer Project in Zambia

Offer Personalized Care to Rural Communities in Need

Calling all medical enthusiasts – from aspiring pre-meds to seasoned professionals! Join African Impact and make a profound difference in rural 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.

Project Highlights

  • Gain valuable healthcare experience in a variety of departments whilst assisting in medical clinics in Zambia
  • Support community members suffering from illnesses by accompanying local caregivers to their rural homes and providing advice and treatment
  • Participate in health talks held at schools, training centres and support groups that encourage healthy lifestyle choices and preventative healthcare measures
  • Tick one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World off your bucket list, Victoria Falls
  • Live and work in the ‘Adventure Capital’ of Africa, where you can bungee-jump, go white-water-rafting or take to the skies on a microlight flight

Quick Facts

Livingstone, Zambia

Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport

Specific Start Dates

10 days - 12 weeks

Impact: Healthcare

$1,955 – $5,150
Apply Now

Project Destination

Zambia is an adrenaline-pumping adventure woven with the soul of a friendly, vibrant town. Picture this: your heart thumps against your ribs as you bungee jump off the Victoria Falls Bridge, the misty spray of Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the Smoke that Thunders,” swirling beneath you. Or you can take a dip in the legendary Devil’s Pool, perched precariously at the edge of the falls. Adventure isn’t all that awaits, Livingstone’s heart beats with the rhythm of a rich culture and history. After a day of volunteering in Zambia you can enjoy dinner overlooking the Zambezi river and take in the most spectacular sunsets you’ve ever seen.

ACCOMODATION

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.

At the Backpackers, you will receive 3 meals a day, cooked by local chefs, which are a combination of international and local flavours. For breakfast you can expect cereal and toast, along with a cooked option, such as eggs or pancakes. Lunch could be a wrap, pizza or sandwich paired with a fresh crispy salad. For dinner you might have a pasta dish or an authentic stew!

To keep in touch with family and friends back home, Victoria Falls Backpackers has complimentary WiFi for you to use during your stay. You can also purchase a SIM card with data bundles if you wish.

Weather in Livingstone tends to be stable and sunny from August until late October when the “monsoon” rains start to hit. Either side of this time, the weather is very pleasant. The climate is tropical or subtropical depending on altitude, with a hot, humid, and rainy season from mid-November to March and a dry season from April to mid-November. October is typically the hottest month of the year.

Participant Requirements

AGE

The minimum age for our community medical project in Zambia is 18 years of age. 

To travel to Africa, many people are required to obtain a visa either upon entry to the relevant country or beforehand. Please note different countries require different passport validity periods.

But don’t panic, our Journey Team will help direct you and answer your questions during our Pre-departure process.

volutneers out enjoying the african bush

Project Impact Areas

CLINIC SUPPORT

Witness the realities of public healthcare in Zambia alongside dedicated local staff. Observe patient care in Livingstone 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. 

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.

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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.

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Impact title

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On-the-ground Project Support

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FLIGHTS & ARRIVAL

A friendly face from our Base Team will be ready to meet you at the airport and drive you to our Volunteer Accommodation. Just look out for the African Impact sign!

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SAFETY

On arrival you’ll have a comprehensive induction to prepare you for project work, the local culture, people and wildlife; and of course, how to stay safe!

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STAFF

24/7 support: Our base teams are on hand every day to make sure you have the most amazing and memorable time in Africa.

Program Experience

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Recent Volunteer Reviews

“I had a great time being able to deliver care to people who need it most in rural Zambia. Home-based care is an effective way to provide the most basic needs that cannot be met otherwise. I also enjoyed the additional projects that involved teaching and playing sports. They were a pleasure.”
Andrew Merelman, USAMedical & Community Development - Zambia
“Volunteering with African Impact frequently pushes you outside of your comfort zone and that is the best part about it. People from all different walks of life congregate here and work for a common goal, which is really something special. The work I’ve done here as a medical volunteer has been meaningful and that’s why I’ve come here twice, there really is no better way to make an immediate impact on a great community than volunteering here. Lastly, the staff of African Impact is incredible from top to bottom and they really create a fantastic family atmosphere.”
Parker Lewis, USAMedical & Community Development - Zambia
“Great, would recommend again. there are great staff, very friendly. they really immerse you into the culture and provide a great Zambian experience. There are many activities to choose from and you really feel like you are making a difference in the lives of those here.”
Alaiyah, United StatesMedical & Community Development - Zambia

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Clinic Visits
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Accommodation Meal Time
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Recommended activities in Zambia

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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. The real highlight of the park is the re-introduced white rhino, which you can track on foot – unforgettable experience! There’s also Chobe National Park across the border in Botswana, famed for its huge elephant population. An overnight safari to this National Park is a popular weekend activity that many past volunteers have enjoyed.

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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 – all within easy reach of the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls.

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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 hand-made goods for your loved ones back home or find interesting local foods to try.

Project Dates & Rates

When would you like to volunteer?

Give us an idea of your travel plans, you can also say ‘I’m not sure yet.’ We’ll take it from there.

How long would you like to volunteer?

This is the place to select your preferred duration(s). The African Impact team recommend at least 4 weeks for a truly memorable experience!

10 days $1955
2 weeks $2150
3 weeks $2450
4 weeks $2750
5 weeks $3050
6 weeks $3350
7 weeks $3650
8 weeks $3950
9 weeks $4250
10 weeks $4550
11 weeks $4850
12 weeks $5150

Personal Information

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SMS & WhatsApp Opt-In
By opting in to SMS and WhatsApp communication, you give consent to receive text messages from African Impact that will assist in booking your placement. You can opt-out at any time by texting STOP.
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Project Fee Includes:

  • Accommodation
  • All meals
  • Airport transfers
  • All project related transport during your stay
  • All activities and entrance fees as per the workshop itinerary

Project Fee Excludes:

  • Flights
  • Travel insurance
  • Visa-related costs
  • Weekend trips or tours
  • Snacks, soft drinks, gifts, and souvenirs
  • Mandatory contribution of US$25 that is donated to the African Impact Sustainability Fund

Zambia Public Health Volunteering 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.

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.

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.

More about African Impact

How it works

Find a project

Choose & apply for one of our exciting projects!

connect with us

Connect and plan your trip with our Destination Specialists

secure a place

Pay your deposit to secure your booking

start preparing

Start finalising your trip with our Journey Team

Accreditations & Awards

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