Since the very beginning of The Kambia Appeal, our relationship with Kambia has been based on visits to Sierra Leone by medical personnel from the UK. Such visits have provided training for local hospital staff and district health workers, as well as much needed clinical work at the hospital.

Midwife Maud Hardy, CHO Mohamed Kamara and Doctors Per and Janaki Brolin at Kambia Hospital in March 2009

Our volunteer programme has recently been restructured and successfully awarded an HPS grant, funded by UK DFID and THET. The aim of the programme is to improve health outcomes and quality of healthcare delivery within Kambia District by empowering UK health volunteers through skill sharing to train and teach local healthcare workers, develop quality improvement tools, and provide clinical support. In addition to this we strive to contribute to the personal and professional development of UK health volunteers with an opportunity to volunteer in a resource poor setting and further develop their skills and abilities.

Please note that the volunteer opportunities offered as part of this programme are only available to UK-based health professionals.

Successful volunteers will be placed at Kambia Government Hospital and will work across the following core areas:

· Teaching/training local staff

· Quality improvement activities

· Clinical support

· Community health education

· Support the wider activities of the Kambia Appeal within Kambia District

To read further information about the Kambia Government Hospital click here

Who are we looking for?

We are interested in qualified healthcare professionals from the medical, nursing, midwifery and public health fields who are based in the UK. We are looking for volunteers able to go for a minimum of 6 months or more. However we will where possible accommodate volunteers going for periods of less than 6 months. We are particularly interested in doctors with experience in paediatrics and obstetrics and gynaecology.

What are the costs?

Volunteers going for 6 months or more will have the following costs covered:

Flights, visa, insurance, vaccinations and malaria prophylaxis, accommodation in Kambia and food.

Volunteers going for less than 6 months may have some costs covered at the discretion of the Kambia Appeal.

How do I apply?

Please complete an application form and send it along with a copy of your CV to: volunteering@kambia.org.uk.

Click here to download the application form: ka-volunteer-application-form

Requirements and selection

Prior to selection volunteers must meet the following requirements:

Essential: You MUST be based in the UK and have at least 2 years postgraduate experience

Desirable: Diploma in Tropical Medicine and Hygiene, previous experience of working abroad, teaching experience, quality improvement experience.

Selection of volunteers is based on:

· Professional experience

· Relevant skills

· Personal attributes

· Motivations

Successful volunteers

All successful volunteers will be required to attend a pre-departure training weekend prior to placement.

Contact us

The volunteer programme is managed by Dr Stacey Mearns and Dr Clare Adams and they can be contacted at volunteering@kambia.org.uk.

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