There is one country that comes to mind
when one wants to volunteer in the area of laboratory and diagnostic research in Africa, the best destination for
such undertaking is Ghana. Ghana is located in West Africa with a relatively
peaceful environment and evenly distributed health facilities (hospitals,
clinics, maternity clinics, laboratories and diagnostics centres amongst others)
across the country. Most of these health facilities have laboratories or
diagnostic centres within them to aid in reliable health delivery. In
choosing to become a volunteer or intern in a laboratory in a community in
Ghana one intend to use accurate measurement and empirical observations to
learn about some of common tropical diseases such as malaria, anaemia, typhoid
amongst others and means to help curb them. One will equally get to know how
illness such as HIV/AIDs can be tackled using stigma-free interventions to
reduce its spread. The lab is small to medium size and community-based
dedicated to meet the needs of the clinicians and patients to provide diagnosis
and treatment. The lab runs tests for a local hospital that offers services in
General Medicine, Surgery, Obstetrics and Gynaecology, X-ray, Dermatology,
Venereology, Ophthalmology, ECG, mother and child healthcare and ultrasound.
For all these departments there is only one laboratory where all patients get
sent to for tests, which means that there is an incredibly high workload.
The prevalence rate of some of these diseases especially malaria and anaemia
is very high among the populace particularly pregnant women and children, hence
the need for support. Malaria is a problem and there is a new case every day –
testing in the laboratory focuses mainly on blood but also urine and faeces.
When malaria is left undetected or untreated for a long time it can cause still
birth in pregnant women and even death among the general populace. HIV testing
is also common. The laboratory itself is a small space but it is always busy as
it is much in demand, and the waiting area outside is often full of patients,
young and old. Come and work in a laboratory or diagnostic centre in Ghana and
gain an insight not only into local diseases and diagnosis but also to work
alongside a dedicated as well as friendly local team.
Volunteering in a laboratory is not the most common project choice for those
considering embarking upon a volunteering trip, however the experience is
worthwhile since it gives one first-hand knowledge on the health related issues
facing a particular sub region and how to help curb them. Considering the fact
that volunteer work abroad in laboratories is relatively low, many laboratories
go without volunteer support when it is, actually, an area that would benefit
them greatly. For anyone with an interest in a laboratory placement, this
project is a great place to start. The hospital values the addition of
international volunteers to its team, as it strongly believes in cross-culture
awareness and the building of global citizenship.
Your role on the Biomedical Science Internship in Ghana
Volunteers will assist wherever is needed in the laboratory under guided
protocols. Your role will vary depending on your experience, but you will work
under the supervision of a local clinician. Activities may involve talking to
patients, recording information, data entry into the computer system, running
rapid diagnostic tests and also analysing laboratory results. You may also be
put to work by collecting blood samples from patients, general diagnosis,
learning new manual diagnostic techniques and data handling. Whether you have
experience or not, is not important, as there are many tasks that you can get
involved in and the work you do will be greatly appreciated by local staff.
Little to no particular skills is required to volunteer in a laboratory in
Ghana, although any experience will certainly be beneficial to you. You must
have a high interest or passion to volunteering in a laboratory, be
enthusiastic and willing to take on any task that is given to you. The
laboratory is a small place, and therefore it is essential that you work well
with others and as part of a team. If you demonstrate excellent interpersonal
skills and a good aptitude, you may be given the opportunity to help in other
ways, but these decisions are always made by the local team.
Volunteers interested in tropical diseases, medical laboratory,
microbiology, haematology and medical research will find this placement
interestingly educative and anyone who is an expert or has proven skills in an
area may be able to do extra tasks under supervision. You will be asked to send
your CV/resume before being accepted onto this project.
Can I use this program as part
of a college or university placement?
It is
certainly possible to use one of OGVO’s programs as part of your university or
college placement. Project staff can sign off any paperwork required by your
course tutors. OGVO regularly receives medical, biomedical sciences, psychology,
midwifery, dentistry, veterinary and nursing placement students at our projects
across Ghana.
If you’re a course tutor and would like further information about how
one of OGVO’s programs could meet the placement requirements for your degree
course then please contact us directly so we can help organize a specific
placement for you.