Specialized Treatment Center in Allada (Ages 18+)

Project Details
This clinic specializes in the treatment of Buruli Ulcers, a waterborne disease closely related to tuberculosis and leprosy. After infection, the skin and soft tissue can be destroyed by the ulcers. With 30 staff members, the clinic works hard to treat patients in the early stages in order to prevent long-term disability. Through community visits and education campaigns, the clinic hopes to curb the life-long affects of the ulcers.

Program Costs

4 weeks: $1,630
6 weeks: $1,760
8 weeks: $1,950

Volunteer Abroad Program Fees

Fees may be paid by personal check, money order or credit card.

Included	Not Included
Lodging/3 meals per day	Airfare
Arrival pick-up at airport	In-country transportation
Medical/accident insurance	Phone cards
24 hour emergency staff	Internet
Predeparture and Arrival Orientation

Volunteer Responsibilities
Volunteers will be working closely with clinic staff to help with routine check-ups, work in the lab, community outreach and education campaigns, and administrative duties. Volunteers are really needed to be a positive force in the patients’ lives. This project is recommended for those participants who have education and/or experience in health care.

Location
The hospital is located in Allada, about 30 miles from Cotonou. All volunteers will be taken to a host family upon arrival and participate in a three day orientation to Beninois culture and their project.

Accommodations and Meals
Volunteers will stay with carefully screened host families for the duration of the program. Two meals during the week and three on weekends with your host family are included in your stay.

Transportation and Travel Arrangements
All travel arrangements must be booked according to Greenheart Travel instructions. Booking travel is your responsibility, but we are more than happy to help you as needed. A volunteer coordinator will meet you at the airport in Cotonou upon your arrival and arrange your transportation to your host family. Upon arrival in Cotonou you will have an orientation for about two days before arriving on the volunteer site.
Depending on the location of your host family you may be within walking distance to your work site or a short bus ride away. Greenheart Travel does not cover any bus fare used in transit to the work site.

Local Support
Greenheart Travel always provides you with a thorough network of support before departure and during your time abroad. You will be provided with pre-departure orientation materials that will walk you through every step of your program. Your local coordinator, host family, and volunteer site supervisor are more than happy to address questions or difficulties that you may have at anytime during your program.

Dates
Projects run from 2-12 weeks. Start dates for 2010 are:

March 8, March 29, April 12, April 26, May 10, May 23, June 7, June 21, July 5, July 19, August 2, August 16, September 6, September 20, October 4, October 17

Requirements
Volunteers must be medical professionals or current medical students. An intermediate to advanced level of French is required. French lessons are available prior to the volunteer project for an additional fee.