International Affairs

Health Volunteers Overseas Making a World of Difference

John P. Dormans, M.D.

There is a critical shortage of resources in developing countries. In fact, developing countries frequently allocate less than $5 per capita to the delivery of health care. Established in 1986, Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO) is dedicated to improving the availability and quality of health care in developing countries through a global partnership of training and education.

HVO volunteers travel to more than 50 sites around the world, generally on one-month assignments, sharing their knowledge and expertise. Since 1986, HVO has sent more than 4,100 health professionals abroad and has delivered educational materials valued at more than $15.7 million to over 40 program sites.

HVO volunteers teach and work side-by-side with physicians, students, nurses, physical therapists, dentists, and others. They give lectures, conduct ward rounds, and demonstrate various techniques in classrooms, clinics, and operating rooms. In academic and clinical settings alike, HVO volunteers foster the professionalism and independence of health care providers around the world. Across all HVO projects there is one constant - volunteers will leave behind new knowledge and spark new ways of thinking about how to treat patients.

Volunteers

HVO sends qualified professionals in many specialties. However, those of prime interest to AACPDM members include dentistry, orthopaedics, pediatrics, and physical therapy. HVO has projects in Africa (Ethiopia, South Africa, Tanzania, Uganda), Asia (Cambodia, India, Vietnam), Latin America (Peru, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guyana), and the Caribbean (Haiti, St. Lucia). Most sites require that volunteers serve for a month, but there are some sites where one may serve for two weeks. Volunteers pay for transportation to and from the sites. Most sites do provide housing. Spouses and families are welcome at most sites.

For More Information

Please visit the HVO web site. You may also contact HVO at 1900 L St, NW, Suite 310, Washington, DC 20036. Tele: 202-296-0928; Fax: 202-296-8018; E-Mail: info@hvousa.org.

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