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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 commonly treated at Mushili. Ibenga Hospital and Ndola Children's Hospital are located close by and offer care for those needing inpatient medicine.
Medical students from the UK have studied at Mushili since 2002 under the guidance of Swedish staff physicians. Students can communicate well using only English. Housing and meals are provided, and American families live nearby. 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.
LocationMushili 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. The rainy season lasts from December through March. The dry �winter� is April to July, and summer 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. Airlines fly directly from Johannasburg, South Africa, to Ndola. A representative from the Health Center will meet arriving visitors. Be prepared to pay a $20 airport tax when departing from Zambia.
Visa RequirementObtain a visa in advance from the Zambia Embassy in Washington, DC. Please see their website: http://www.zambiaembassy.org. Americas may be able to obtain a visa when arriving at the airport in Zambia. However this policy is in flux, therefore it is recommended to obtain visa in advance.
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 consider prophylaxis.
Visitors are advised to regularly check the U.S. State Department website for the most up-to-date information regarding travel advisories: http://www.state.gov/travel. Visitors are advised to regularly check the U.S. State Department website for the most up-to-date information regarding country specific travel information http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html
FacilityMushili Health Center is located at the Kafulafuta Baptist Mission, established in 1905. Kafulafuta is also home to a school for grades 1-10 with enrollment of 500 students. Mushili Health Center attends to 50-100 outpatients daily, and serves an area of population 15,000. Mushili is associated with two hospitals. Ibenga Hospital is located 10 miles away. Ndola Children�s Hospital is located 15 miles away.
PatientsMost patients coming to Mushili are women and children. Infant mortality in this region approaches a startling 70 percent. Malnutrition, malaria, TB, HIV, polio, anemia, burns and traumatic injuries are commonly treated. Most patients live by subsistence farming and have very little means.
Medical StaffSupervising staff include a variety of Zambian and European physicians who primarily serve at Ibenga Hospital and Ndola Children�s Hospital. Mushili is primarily staffed by Zambian nurses.
Language RequirementEnglish is the official language of Zambia, and is used in all schools and in the media. Literacy is only about 50 percent in rural areas. Zambias also speak African languages. Translation is available for those who do not speak English.
Student ExperienceIn addition to INMED, Mushili Health Center has a relationship with the University of Manchester School of Medicine, Manchester, and the University of New Castle Upon Tyne Medical School, Framinton Place, both in England, and has been training their students in international medicine since 2002. Medical students are scheduled by the American director of the Mushili Health Center, Lorna Sarra. Students typically work at Ibenga Hospital for one or two weeks, Monday through Friday, and occasionally Saturdays. The remaining time is spent serving at Mushili Health Center. Experience at Ndola Children�s Hospital can also be arranged.
Student Blogs Student LodgingStudents 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 who live at Mushili. Clothes washing is available.
CommunicationEmail via satellite link is available at Mushili.
DiversionVictoria Fall, 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 the facility. This is not required but allows INMED participants to become involved in every aspect of medical missions.
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 PackBe sure to pack a carry-on bag that has your essentials, including a change of clothes, just in case your luggage becomes lost. Also, it�s usually best to bring two suitcases, each half full, so you will have a place to pack souvenirs for the return trip. Bring clothes appropriate for the weather, and remember that in this environment clothes frequently become soiled.