Medical | Education | Empowerment
VOLUNTEER IN TANZANIA
Medical Volunteer Programs in Tanzania
This program is ideal for:
Qualified professionals or volunteers who are in their third or subsequent year of medical or nursing school. Paramedics, EMTs and CNAs are also welcome, however it’s important to note that you’ll be volunteering in a general practice clinic or hospital, rather than working within your field.
Project details
Want to be a Medical volunteer in Tanzania? Village Health Support Organization Medical project is an exciting opportunity for volunteers to help improve access to healthcare for low-income communities in Arusha. Volunteers gain medical experience by shadowing local professionals at either a clinic or hospital and may also be able to take part in medical outreach campaigns in local villages.
What to expect and how you’ll make an impact
In many poor communities in Tanzania, healthcare is not easily accessible or affordable. The Medical volunteer project aims to change that by placing volunteers in medical facilities that serve vulnerable people.
As a Medical volunteer you’ll work in health centers and both governmental and private hospitals based in Arusha city, primarily shadowing local medical professionals and assisting with daily duties. Local regulations and language barriers mean volunteers are unable to perform independent tasks; however, you can observe healthcare in action in a developing country and help where permitted. Your placement will be determined by local medical professionals based on your previous experience and training.
Work can be hands-on depending on placement, the need at the time and your medical experience and education. Some hands-on work might include assisting with surgery or delivery, HIV testing, stitching, wound care and other basic medical care.
Please see below a list of departments where medical volunteers can work on rotation or stick with one, depending on the need at the time :
- Out Patient Department (OPD)
- In Patient Department (IPD)
- Family Planning
- Laboratory
- Dental
- Ophthalmology
- Pharmacy
- Labour and delivery
- Antenatal
- Pediatrics
- Midwifery
- Surgery (Minor Theatre and Major Operation)
- Tuberculosis Department
- HIV Department
- Diabetic Clinic
- Hypertension Clinic
- Mental Health Department
You shouldn’t expect all placements to offer all the above departments, however, if you have any preferences with regard to the work you are helping out with, please feel free to note it in your application. The local team will take this on board as best as they can, although it’s important to be flexible as we cannot guarantee that you will work on your chosen department.
You may also be able to take part in Medical Outreach campaigns twice a week. Campaigns take place in local villages, delivering basic medical care which is not often available. On the day, volunteers are transported to either a community group that has been organised to offer free medical support or they will visit a number of homes in a rural area nearby Arusha to assess patients. They are escorted and assisted by a registered nurse, a social worker and a local team staff member for translation purposes.
These campaigns are fully arranged and funded by volunteers, and you’re welcome to reach out to your Program Manager for more information about these.
Why do Medical volunteering in Arusha with VHSO?
As a healthcare volunteer in Tanzania you’ll be adding value to the local community, while also developing personally and professionally by:
- Improving access to healthcare for low-income communities
- Learning about a medical system in a developing country
- Developing your communication skills
- Gaining medical experience
- Immersing yourself in Tanzanian culture
- Discovering Africa’s incredible wildlife
.
Who can join a Medical Trip program?
We welcome students, graduates, healthcare assistants, and professionals seeking hands-on international experience. Each placement is designed to match your academic background and career goals, ensuring the right balance of supervision, learning, and impact.
What kinds of programs do you offer?
Villages Health Support Organization offers structured placements in:
Medicine and nursing
Midwifery and public health
Psychology and mental health
Law and human rights
Education and women’s empowerment
Community Outreach
And more….
All programs emphasise cross-cultural collaboration, ethical practice, and professional growth.
What’s included in the program package?
Every Medical Trip placement includes:
Pre-arrival visa and travel support
Comprehensive pre-arrival prep, specific to your target group, placement and cultural nuances
Airport pickup and drop off
Shared or private accommodation
Program orientation, local briefing and project registration
24/7 support from our local coordination team
Certificate of completion
Optional weekend safaris and cultural excursions can be added through our sister company, Siret Trip Safaris.
