Every Share Helps!

The HIV/AIDS pandemic is considered the scariest, most widely spread illness of our time. Although HIV/AIDS does not discriminate in whom it affects, it is clear that poverty stricken countries which possess the lowest levels of education and where women have the fewest rights are affected the most—specifically in Sub-Saharan Africa. What is perhaps the worst aspect: millions of children are dying because they are infected at birth, living most of their short lives in agony.

Fighting against the HIV/AIDS pandemic is integral in the development of countries—without strong, healthy citizens, how could a country thrive? An economy cannot experience growth, and the cycle of poverty becomes impossible to break. Volunteers who dedicate their time to fighting the pandemic play crucial roles—whether by spreading awareness and passing out contraception, through delivering antiretroviral drugs that significantly improve the standard of life with those fighting the infections, or by treating patients in a clinic.

Here is a look at just two volunteer organizations available to you.

African Impact: Medical Outreach and HIV/AIDS Awareness

African Impact, established in 2004 in Zimbabwe, has become a leading volunteer travel organization since its inception, aiming to inspire travelers to serve as more than just tourists in the countries they visit, but as responsible, global minded travelers and volunteers. Since the first volunteers served the modest, young organization in late 2004, African Impact has expanded to provide projects to volunteers throughout Southern and Eastern Africa. Today, African Impact, based in Cape Town, South Africa, is the world’s largest on-the-ground facilitator and operator of sustainable volunteer projects in Africa, not only serving the people of Africa but working with them on personal and professional levels, investing in the people themselves for staff members of African Impact. Volunteers are offered unique, personal experiences which focus on a variety of projects, many of which are based in medical and HIV/AIDS work.

In the Medical Outreach and HIV/AIDS Awareness program, one of many projects available, volunteers help raise awareness about HIV/AIDS, teaching the people of South Africa the causes of the disease, how it affects the human body, and how the virus is transmitted and how it can be prevented. Volunteers also offer support to men, women, and children with HIV through helping them prolong their lives by teaching healthy eating habits, medication, and a healthy lifestyle, also attending volunteer-run HIV support groups. Volunteers also assist with home-based care for the sick, allowing patients to receive treatment without having to leave their rural homes, among other projects.

Internship, professional courses, and exploration projects are also available.

• Program Duration: 2—8 weeks
• Location: St. Lucia, South Africa
• Accommodations: Volunteers stay in a fully equipped project house in St. Lucia
• No prior experience is necessary; however, an interest in medicine and caring for others is encouraged!
• Click here for more information!

Global Crossroad: HIV/AIDS Education

Global Crossroad, an international volunteer organization established in 2003, is dedicated to providing volunteer and travel programs in 18 countries, spanning Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe. Their programs include internships, teaching opportunities, tours, and travel. Their volunteer program is specialized to meet the wants and capabilities of the volunteers on an individual basis, allowing volunteers to be challenged in a cross-cultural learning experience, working 25 to 35 hours per week, yet have time for leisure and travel.

Global Crossroad’s Volunteer in South Africa program is dedicated to providing HIV/AIDS education in the country. Global Crossroads recognizes that South Africa is in need of volunteers to promote awareness about HIV/AIDS in order to eliminate the stigma associated with the disease and serve those who need help the most.

Volunteers are able to work with various other organizations for community outreach, including hospice care, recreational and educational programs, HIV counseling and testing, educational seminars and conferences, and private meetings with families with children to provide counseling and offer encouragement in coping with HIV/AIDS.

Internships in HIV/AIDS education are also available.

• Location: South Africa
• Program Duration: 1 week+
• Accommodations: Host family placements provide shelter and food
• Click here for more information!

Have you volunteered for HIV/AIDS awareness, care, and education? Do you have other volunteer abroad recommendations? Post them below!