GPs

Uganda has experienced significant economic growth for over a decade and poverty has fallen substantially. Within Sub-Saharan Africa, Uganda has been a leader in the fight against HIV and AIDS with prevalence dropping over the past ten years. However, due to numerous resource constraints, Uganda remains one of the 25 poorest countries in the world.

One of these constraints is the limited availability of quality primary health care to poor communities. The Ministry of Health has developed a strategic plan, which aims to increase the physical access to quality care by improving the management of health services. Based in the International Hospital Kampala, you’ll develop out-patient services and home-based chronic care for disadvantaged communities in Kampala, and ensure that patients can access better quality primary care.

What does the role involve?

• Managing the out-patient department and treating patients in collaboration with clinical officers
• Supporting the treatment of chronically ill patients, particularly those living with HIV and AIDS at home
• Improving the follow-up system of patients by strengthening information management
• Providing clinical follow up and supervision at peripheral health centres across Kampala, working with nurses and community health officers
• Supporting the overall improvement of community based health services for poor communities in Kampala

Skills, qualifications and experience required

You’ll be a qualified doctor with skills in general practice and a minimum of three years’ post qualification experience. An interest in HIV and AIDS issues and some management or planning experience would also be useful. You’ll need to be patient, flexible and resourceful, and have good team working skills in order to build relationships with colleagues and members of the community. A positive attitude and good sense of humour always helps to integrate into the local culture and get the most out of your volunteering experience.

And the rest...

Landlocked Uganda lies across the Equator, bordering Tanzania, Sudan, Congo, Kenya and Rwanda. It’s a naturally fertile country with 25 per cent of its area covered in rivers, lakes and swamps. Uganda’s climate is pleasant and comfortable. You’ll be based in the capital city Kampala, which is less crowded than many other African cities. There’s a friendly and social atmosphere with a real mix of people from all social, religious and tribal groups. On the social scene, the city has a variety of good restaurants, bars and cinemas so you shouldn’t have trouble keeping busy in your free time.

We’ll ask you to commit to 12 months to make a sustainable contribution to our development goals. In return, we’ll give you comprehensive financial, personal and professional support. We'll provide you with extensive training before your placement, a living allowance, return flights, accommodation, insurance and more. NHS employees can volunteer with continued membership of the NHS pensions scheme.

There has been remarkable progress in consolidating peace and rebuilding the country’s infrastructure since the end of Sierra Leone’s civil conflict in 2002. There is still a lot to be done, especially with regards to healthcare. There’s a crippling shortage of qualified healthcare staff which has resulted in low standards of care in hospitals. As a result people have stopped accessing services leading to increased mortality rates. You’ll be based in the Pujehun District Hospital which provides both primary and secondary health care. Over 70% of the nursing staff are volunteers with minimal skills and there is no resident midwife.

What does the role involve?

The role will be divided into 3 main areas;

• Working with patients and providing on the job training of health staff in the Out Patient department

• Capacity building clinical staff in the In Patient Department

• Coaching and training support staff in management and
administration

Alongside this, you will support outpatient services particularly the free health care which has recently seen an increase in patient cases which the two local doctors are struggling to manage.

Skills, qualifications and experience required

You’ll be a qualified doctor with a minimum of three years’ post qualification experience. An interest in medical education, experience in international child health would be beneficial. Experience of formal or informal training and mentoring would be helpful. You’ll be based in a district hospital and will need the flexibility to adapt your approaches to working with less diagnostics and fewer drugs than you’re used to, and the passion and good humor to take on lots of challenges.

And the rest...

You’ll be living and working in a rural environment, you must be willing to live with a limited supply of water and no electricity (although you will have access at work). You’re likely to be housed with other VSO volunteers. We’ll ask you to commit to 12 - 24 months to make a sustainable contribution to our development goals. In return, we’ll give you comprehensive financial, personal and professional support. We'll provide you with extensive training before your placement, and our financial package includes a local salary, return flights, accommodation, insurance and more.