Care Highway Kenya Medical Expedition Volunteer Information

1. Care Highway Kenya Medical Expedition Volunteer Information compiled by Nav Matharu (nav@carehighway.org)

2. Care Highway is a humanitarian Organisation that believes in compassion with common sense. This slide show has been designed to give some basic information to a Volunteer who has been accepted to be part of an Aid Team getting ready to embark on one of the Care Highway Medical Expeditions. In other words, this leaflet has been designed with you in mind. Overseas projects are often opportunities to share your skills on short-term assignments. While you will be making a practical and lasting contribution to those you assist, you will learn a good deal and almost certainly challenge many of your long-held assumptions - about you and others. Remember that your key purpose is to share your skills and move on. At best you will only visit for short trips twice a year, educate those who will live the reality after your departure. Be generous with your expertise and train your colleagues to ensure that any systems you help put into place can be maintained once you leave. You will be part of a TEAM of volunteers and local workers. Respect for the culture and the people you come into contact with is important as is, respect for your team members. Many volunteers save for a long time to make a trip like this, so, it is important that everyone in the “TEAM” feels respected and welcomed Introduction compiled by Nav Matharu (nav@carehighway.org)

3. Introduction Continued… • The most successful volunteers are those who are sensitive to other people's points of view and cultures, are adaptable and flexible and cope well with frustration. Work hard but be realistic about what you can achieve in the time. Most of all, remember to enjoy yourself! compiled by Nav Matharu (nav@carehighway.org)

4. Valid Passport (also carry a copy) Travel Insurance Immunisation Card with info on your blood group & allergies to medicines Sleeping bag Mosquito net Flash light with spare batteries Clothing-long sleeves & long pants, jacket (cold nights), poncho, Sun glasses, Sun Block & Lip Salve Swiss knife Huggies / Pampers (Baby wet wipes) - as in some areas there is not much water Personal toiletries - you are recommended not to wear perfume as this attracts the mosquito's Baseball cap or hat to protect from sun Comfortable shoes Insect repellent i.e. “OFF” Antiseptic ointment Medication for colds, allergies, diarrhea, athlete's foot, general pain medication, constipation, headaches & antibiotics Women - sanitary towels & hygiene Pack plenty of clean cotton socks, T-shirts and underwear Water proof clothing *Please remember to make copies of your travel documents and keep these separate from the originals. What to Pack….. compiled by Nav Matharu (nav@carehighway.org)

5. Don’t attract attention! • It is recommended that you do not carry valuable personal items such as expensive jewellery or camera’s. Disposable camera’s are usually the best option. • Any personal or valuable items are at your own risk and we can not be held accountable for loss or theft. compiled by Nav Matharu (nav@carehighway.org)

6. There are two vaccinations currently recommended for Kenya. These are Cholera and Yellow Fever. You should also consider having certain vaccinations as a precaution. Immunisations recommended Tetanus Diphtheria Polio Typhoid Hepatitis A Yellow fever* -Certificate or health waiver required. Mandatory. Malaria - Careful precautions reduce the risk by a factor of ten. At dusk, and at other times when insects are biting, cover up: wear long-sleeved shirts and trousers, socks, and pyjamas at night. Use an insect repellent containing DEET on exposed skin and on your clothing. Use a permethrin impregnated mosquito net and some form of insecticide during the night - pyrethrum coils are readily available and cheap Immunizations compiled by Nav Matharu (nav@carehighway.org)

7. BRIEFINGS: The most important key to personal health and safety is to follow briefings given by your team leader, colleagues and contacts in the field. They can provide up-to-date details on disease, sanitation, food and water safety, personal and property security, and other information to keep team members healthy and safe during the assignment. Team members should never knowingly put their lives in jeopardy. "Stay alert, keep calm, think clearly, and act decisively" should be the motto. Tasks should be accomplished by putting safety first. OUT ON FIELD, Quick Tips: Be patient with yourself and others, remember you’re the one who’s different!! Don't get drawn into gossip or internal politics - don't take sides and remain courteous to everyone Be mindful of your health. Do not encourage beggars and be on the look out for decoys or petty theft Stick to areas deemed safe by your hosts and stay alert to being followed If you are a guest in a private house, don't stay out too late It is UNSAFE to be out after 10pm Stay in touch with colleagues and new friends. However, avoid making promises to invite people to stay or to guarantee visa applications Health & Safety compiled by Nav Matharu (nav@carehighway.org)

8. Final Word • Make sure you have valid Passport, Visa, Travel Insurance, Tickets • Think of YOUR safety while in Kenya and that of your TEAM. • Respect your TEAM and those you come into contact with • WELCOME & ENJOY your EXPERIENCE!!! compiled by Nav Matharu (nav@carehighway.org)