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GET INVOLVED - Contact Us Now For 2025

VOLUNTEERING

IHP has several ways for you to plug in and volunteer your time, whether that includes coming to Tanzania to provide medical care, administrative support, or construction muscles, or providing community outreach by hosting an event or fundraiser in your hometown where IHP can share their story with new people. Below you'll find the relevant information for all volunteers that want to make the trip to Tanzania. When you have filled it out, just attach it in an email to Paula.

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

(once filled out please email to paula@ihptz.org)

STUDENTS

We host Medical students, College students, Youth teams, Churches, and Families that want to travel with a purpose. In addition to rotations for pediatrics, tropical medicine, infectious diseases, and family practice, we host residents and fellows from Mayo Clinic and multiple other medical schools from around the world.

MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

Our outpatient department will serve adults as well as children. Visiting Medical Professionals have the opportunity not only to serve our patients but to share their skills and knowledge with our staff. You will also learn from our staff about tropical diseases and parasitic diseases not commonly seen in the US as learning and communication occurs both ways. Your participation is valued and such a blessing to our patients and their families. The connections made often endure for years.

LET US KNOW ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL EXPERIENCE

VISAS

Tourist Visas cost $100 (USD) and may be paid upon entering the country at the airport. For more information about visas please visit https://visa.immigration.go.tz/start

Tanzanian Embassy website: https://tanzanianembassy-us.org

IHP's model seeks to develop well-run facilities and provide the best care, at a nominal cost to the patients within the communities we serve. We welcome volunteers from all over the world who generously give their time to work with local people and make a meaningful difference in the world. We, and the people of Tanzania, appreciate your support.

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Mwalimu Julius Nyere International Airport in Dar es Salaam is the nearest international airport to fly into from the US and Europe. It takes 14 hours to drive to Dodoma, however, there are domestic African flights and train services available from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma.

We recommend travel insurance.

IHP's model seeks to develop well-run facilities and provide the best care, at a nominal cost to the patients within the communities we serve. We welcome volunteers from all over the world who generously give their time to work with local people and make a meaningful difference in the world. We, and the people of Tanzania, appreciate your support.

VACCINATIONS

The yellow fever vaccine is no longer required unless you come from somewhere where it is endemic or spend more than 12 hours in Kenya before arriving in Tanzania. We recommend that you check the CDC website (www.cdc.gov/travel for whatever may be recommended at the time of your travel.

Check with your personal physician that all your immunizations are up to date including, but not limited to:

An up-to-date Tetanus shot
Hepatitis A and B (note: Hep B shots are given 30 days apart, make sure you have your second one scheduled before your travel date.)
A booster for MMR
Immunization for chickenpox
DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus)
Polio booster
Malaria prophylaxis

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF CONTRACTING MALARIA

- drink only bottled water including brushing your teeth

- follow the instructions for handling dishes, showers, etc.

- always use high DEET insect repellent when outside

- don't walk barefoot outside

- close doors and non-screened windows at dusk to keep bugs out

- follow instructions posted for cleaning fruit and vegetables

IHP's model seeks to develop well-run facilities and provide the best care, at a nominal cost to the patients within the communities we serve. We welcome volunteers from all over the world who generously give their time to work with local people and make a meaningful difference in the world. We, and the people of Tanzania, appreciate your support.

ADDITIONAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

In Chihoni, room and board will be arranged by Paula. $40 (USD) per day covers the cost of room and three meals. Laundry is available for $5 (USD) per week.

CELL PHONES - US

- Contact your provider for information about international rates and charges. Pre-paid

phones are available for purchase starting $30 (USD).

CELL PHONES - EUROPE

- We suggest purchasing a Tanzanian sim card for use of your personal phone.

Volunteers that leave the compound should have a cellphone with them to stay in touch with Paula if needed.

If there is an emergency and your family or friends need to contact you while you are in Tanzania, they should call 011 255 767 141 777

IHP's model seeks to develop well-run facilities and provide the best care, at a nominal cost to the patients within the communities we serve. We welcome volunteers from all over the world who generously give their time to work with local people and make a meaningful difference in the world. We, and the people of Tanzania, appreciate your support.

CULTURAL INFORMATION

Traveling to an emerging country is a life changing experience. There is a condition known as "Tanzaphilia" meaning "once you have been there, you will always return." Most Tanzanians are multi-lingual (Swahili, English, and their mother tongue). Whether you are here for a long or short time, it is important to learn common greetings. In Tanzania, greetings are very important. Before business begins, it is always expected to exchange greetings and to inquire about the state of things at home and work. See your local bookstore for finding information on East-African Culture and common Swahili phrases.

ATTIRE

Modest clothing is expected in respect of the culture. Men should wear pants as only children typically wear shorts. Tight slacks or jeans are never appropriate. Women should cover shoulders and knees and bring at minimum one well-below the knee skirt to wear to church and other "dress up" occasions. Shorts and sportswear is appropriate while in game parks, however unwise as it gives the bugs a greater surface area to bite. In Dar es Salaam, the dress is more westernized and relaxed, but short shorts are never appropriate, anywhere.

Medical workers can wear scrubs in the clinic, but please, not in town. Closed-toed shoes must be worn in the clinic, but sandals or tennis shoes are acceptable elsewhere.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE - SAFARI

There is a lot to do when not working. You can go walking with a partner, play games with the local youth (soccer, basketball, etc.), and go on Safari. There are tour companies that can assist with scheduling a safari. We recommend Pure-Afro Travels at info@pure-afro.com Vesna is the queen of detail and follow-up and we feel confident having our volunteers in her care.

PURE-AFRO TRAVELS