Belize
An Introduction
With a population of less than 300,000, resources are limited, particularly in the southern state of Toledo that extends from the coast, west towards the Guatemalan border. MedicForce is currently working to help train community health workers in advanced first aid and medical care.
Community health workers are responsible for the health education and well being of communities up to 300 people with limited supplies. Although the Belize ministry of health is trying to provide training for these health workers, resources are limited. It is essential that this training is provided, this first line of care is often where essential life and death decisions are made and continuing care is provided following a hospital visit.
In February 2010 our team of volunteers refurbished the community health post at Laguna village (Phase 1). We returned in July 2010 to train 12 village community health workers in Laguna Village, and to install solar electricity to the Laguna clinic (Phase 2). In 2011, we continued to work with the community health workers to give them additional training, and to go out into the field as part of
Mother, Child, and Newborns initative (Phase 3).
Our team will return again in February 2012 to further continue our training initiative (Phase 4). Education is key to sustainability. Training ensures that the healthworkers are competent and can provide excellent care within a community. We want to train healthworkers how to organize health awareness clinics for malaria management, diabetes, heart disease and care for newborns and new mothers alike.
Our Goal:
Our long term plan is to provide health education and training to
all 40 Mayan community Health care workers in the Toledo district,
creating a sustainable healthcare network. Phase 4 will focus on:
1. Advanced one on one Medical training for 8 community health workers, focusing on patient assessment, disease recognition and the correct use of pharmaceuticals.
2.Assessment of medical resources in each community and feasibility study for the construction of a new clinic and/or addition of solar power. Maintenance of units already installed, training for locals involved in repair.
3.Specialist training for community healthworkers, focusing on nutrition and physical therapy for common injuries associate with farming and manual labor.
In 2012 we will be focusing on eight of the most remote villages. Medicforce volunteers will be trained and then driven/ hike out to the villages where they will live and work with the community healthworkers. Food and living conditions are primitive and volunteers will have to improvise and be self motivated to make the best of the time they have. Organizational skills and energy are essential, don’t expect everything to go as you planned. Health specialist (Physiotherapist + nutritionist) will have the grueling task of visiting all eight villages in six days, training community health workers in each village. Other goals are to complete a new solar installation to Laguna healthpost and a feasibility study to identify community clinics in the area that could benefit from solar power.
Position |
Job Description |
Level |
#
Positions |
| Medical Trainer |
Working alone in a remote jungle village training community healthcare workers in basic patient assessment, pharmacology and pathophysiology. Your job is to organize healthchecks and basic first aid training for the community while training your healthworker. Communication skills are essential as some healthworkers have poor English. |
Paramendic/ Nurse/ Doctor |
8 |
| Nutritionist |
Working alongside medical trainers to provide community healthworkers with a working knowledge of the importance of nutrition. Identifying specific needs for the post natal child, encouraging breast feeding and a balanced health diet during pregnancy. |
Professional | 1 |
| Physiotherapist | Working alongside medical trainers to provide community healthworkers with a basic understanding of common injuries found within the community and exercises for rehabilitation and recovery |
Profesional | 1 |
| Solar Engineer |
Complete the instillation of the Laguna village solar system and increase performance. Feasibility study for surrounding community healthpost clinic addition of solar power. Written report and recommendations of study. |
Professional | 1 |
| Logistics | Support of medic team, driving 4X4 vehicle in challenging conditions. Organize medical evacuation as required. Organization of meals, accommodation and transportation of the team. |
Experienced | 1 |
Requirements:
| Volunteer contribution: | $650, not including flights |
| Departure dates: | February 1st - 12th 2012 |
| Inclusion: | Accommodation, food, transportation and project preparation |
|
Fitness/ experience:
|
|
| How to sign up |
Send a copy of your resume to jono.bryant@noc.com |
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