THE SITUATION
Elderly populations in the majority of developing countries are increasing at a rapid rate. These demographic changes are a direct result of the successful socioeconomic development that has contributed to declines in mortality rates at all ages along with reductions in fertility. The problem this creates is than an aged population is expected to suffer with the problems of dependency and disability which often can result in increased burden of diseases. Having adequate disability programs with life expectancy data are essential for planning future health and social programs but are often insufficient throughout most of our world. Making best use of the limited resources available for health care will require an emphasis on training of professional staff and careers as well as integration of health care for elderly people with established health services, particularly the existing primary health care systems in place. There are strategies aimed at developing additional services for elderly people but there is a high likelihood that these additional services will be of low quality with an inappropriate focus in hospitals.
The volunteer programs we offer provide you with an opportunity to work at hospitals and community health clinics. As a volunteer, you will get the chance to work side by side with doctors or health assistants at various clinics performing tasks like dressing wounds, administering shots, drawing blood, holding babies while they are being treated, conducting home visits, organizing patients, help with screening, developing and delivering information on health issues such as birth control and personal hygiene, providing office support, and providing knowledge transfer to the health post doctors on the latest first aid techniques. You can also assist local staff with picking up medicines, supplies, and generally helping out in whatever capacity may be required. As a volunteer on one of these programs, you will be able to make an impact and a difference to a community as you will be contributing to support the work of local doctors and nurses in a country where health care is a major issue, and the number of qualified trained staff in rural areas is very low.