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Luanshya, Zambia
Summary
Located in the Copper Belt of northern Zambia, southern Africa, Mushili Health Center serves a rural population of 15,000. Malnutrition, malaria, TB, HIV, polio, anemia, burns and traumatic injuries are common in this community. Both preventive care and limited treatment is provided at Mushili Health Center provides. Ibenga Hospital and Ndola Children's Hospital are located close by and offer care for those needing inpatient medicine.
Healthcare students from the US and UK have studied at Mushili since 2002 under the guidance of an American RN and periodic physicians. Students can communicate adequately using English. Victoria Fall, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, is located just an eight hour drive away, and provides an unforgettable highlight to serving at Mushili.
Location & CommunityMushili Health Center is located 20 miles SW of the city of Luanshya, in north central Zambia, southern Africa. This region is known as the Copper Belt, and characterized by rural savanna. Most people live by subsistence farming and have very little means. The rainy season lasts from December through March. The dry, cool season is April to July, and warm season is August through November.
TransportationVisitors may fly into either into Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, or into the city of Ndola. Lusaka is a four-hour drive from Mushili Health Center. Ndola is only a 30-minute drive, and is the preferred entry point. A representative from the Health Center will meet arriving visitors.
Visa RequirementFor current information, please visit the Zambian Embassy website appropriate for your country. US citizens can visit the Zambia Embassy in Washington, DC, at http://www.zambiaembassy.org.
Traveler's Health & SafetyPlease check the CDC travel website for the most up-to-date information by visiting http://www.cdc.gov/travel/default.aspx. Yellow fever vaccination is recommended. Malaria is common in Zambia and visitors should consult their physician regarding prophylaxis prior to travel.
Visitors are advised to refer to the US State Department website for the most up-to-date general travel information http://www.state.gov/travel. Travel advisories regarding specific countries should be regularly reviewed at http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html
People ServedMost of those coming to Mushili Health Center are women and children. Infant mortality in this region approaches a startling seventy percent. Malnutrition, malaria, TB, HIV, polio, anemia, burns and traumatic injuries are quite common.
LanguagesEnglish is the official language of Zambia, and is used in all schools and in the media. Literacy is only about fifty percent in rural areas. Zambians also speak African languages. Translation is available for those who do not speak English.
Public Health InitiativesMushili Health Center is located at the Kafulafuta Baptist Mission, also home to an elementary school with enrollment of 500 students.
The Health Center attends to 50-100 outpatients daily, serves an area of population 15,000, and provides health education, prenatal care, well childcare, vaccination, control of communicable diseases. It emphasizes the training of community health workers to provide similar care through out the region. Mushili is associated with two hospitals: Ibenga Hospital and Ndola Childrens Hospital located 15 and 25 km miles away respectively.
Healthcare Profession StaffSupervision is provided by an American registered nurse who lives on site, Lorna Sarra. She is assisted by a staff of Zambian nurses.
Student ExperienceStudents will participate in all aspects of care, becoming familiar with the particular dynamics that impact the health of traditional people. They will come to better appreciate the connection between poverty and health, as well as those preventive healthcare interventions that are particularly effective including provision of safe drinking water, bed nets, burn prevention, family planning and literacy.
Student Blogs Student Lodging & MealsStudents reside in furnished, Western-style houses at Mushili Health Center. These houses have electricity and running water. Meals are usually shared with the American staff that live at Mushili. Clothes washing is available.
Outside CommunicationEmail via satellite link is available.
DiversionVictoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders of the world, is located an eight-hour drive from Mushili, near the town of Livingston, Zambia. David Livingston, the great explorer of Africa, in 1854 was the first European to view these falls.
Facility SupportINMED invites all participants to consider raising extra funds to donate to support this facility. While such efforts are not required, this will provide INMED personnel to become involved in every aspect of international medicine.
Behavior & DressWomen can wear long pants or hospital scrubs to work. Dresses covering the legs entirely should be worn to all other outings such as market or church. Tops can be sleeveless. Men may wear shorts to work or on outings. White coats are typically worn during clinical work, but not neckties.
What To PackBring copies of any healthcare profession licenses, diplomas, or certifications. Be sure to pack a carry-on bag that has your essentials just in case your luggage becomes lost. Bring clothes appropriate for the weather, and remember that in this environment clothes frequently become soiled.