Kenya has long been struggling to develop a modern healthcare system for its citizens. Although the government’s expansion of the system over the last few decades has been commendable, since the early 1990’s there has been a declining trend in the health status of the population. Mortality rates have started increasing again, with the reemergence of old diseases, chronic malnutrition and HIV/AIDS being the major causes. Kenya's healthcare problems are exacerbated by illiteracy, widely dispersed communities, poor sanitation, and tribal customs and traditions. Moreover, the rapidly increasing population and demand for healthcare far outstrips the ability of the government to provide comprehensive health services with its limited financial resources.

With health indicators worsening and the gulf between the supply and demand of medical services widening, Kenya has never been in more need of volunteer healthcare workers. Our medical placements expose volunteers to the sharp contrast between Western and Third World medical practices. Whether you choose to work in a bustling hospital in Nairobi, or working with a small mobile health clinic around Lake Victoria, you will experience first-hand the healthcare challenges facing Kenya, and to be at the forefront of helping it overcome them.

Each placement is tailored to a volunteer's level of relevant experience and interests, and to a preferred size and type of medical facility. Regardless of whether you are just thinking about a career in medicine, or you’re a medical student looking to do your elective in Africa, or you’re a fully qualified doctor or nurse, we can arrange a suitable placement for you. It is difficult to be specific about the day-to-day work because it is so varied and spread across many areas, but all of the hospitals and mobile clinics we work with are very busy, and always have a multitude of duties and responsibilities for volunteers. Be ready to work hard!

Location: Nairobi Duration: 1 to 6 months Costs: from $1,295 Requirements: Preferably be in at least your second year of a medical degree, although placements are available for those without any prior experience. Project Brief: We have partnered with some of the biggest and most prestigious hospitals in Kenya to provide our volunteers with a unique opportunity to experience first-hand the striking contrasts between medical practice in the West and the Third World. Whatever your qualifications, you will given a multitude of responsibilities and be very busy, overcrowding being the biggest challenge faced by the hospitals.

Location: Nairobi Duration: 1 to 6 months Costs: from $1,295 Requirements: Preferably be in at least your second year of a medical degree, although placements are available for those without any prior experience. Project Brief: The clinics we work with travel to a variety of communities with very different needs. This means you may be based in a major city, where the team provides access to primary health care services for street and slum children, or you may find yourself in more rural areas, serving communities with no access whatsoever to medical treatment.