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Borneo :: Expedition Medic


An Introduction

In 2008 during a four week expedition our team managed to treat a staggering 500 villagers from remote communities throughout the Kelabit highlands. In 2009 the team returned to the Kelabit Highlands, this time with an eye specialist, together with a Malaysian doctor and dentist. The team treated an amazing 920 people. Pulling 150 teeth and distributing almost 300 pairs of glasses. The project not only visited the Kelabit Highlands but also traveled North to work with semi nomadic hunter gatherers, a tribe called the Penan. In 2009 we identified some common trends in health care issues, namely a huge amount of infected scabies and skin conditions. In 2012 MedicForce plans to continue working in these areas, following through and learning from previous expeditions. We hope to transport and pay for 30 cataract operations, giving the gift of sight back to people living in near darkness. Our training team will be teaching a wilderness EMT to community leaders that can continue to promote health care and treat injuries and illness when we are gone. Plus promoting health education and first aid training for all. Simply teaching how a wound can get infected or a baby can stop chocking will save lives

Program itinerary

In 2012 the expedition will be divided into three specific teams:

Team 1:

Three students and one leader.
This team is based in the Kelabit Highlands in and around the town of Bario. In 2009 we identified 30 people with cataracts from several communities within this area. Team one will co-ordinate their movement to Miri for surgery and follow up treatment. Travelling from remote farming communities up to 6hrs drive away by 4X4 truck and 4 hrs hike. This team will also be involved in health outreach programs with the Nomadic Penan tribe who live in the jungle around Bario.

Team 2:

Three medical trainers.
Team two is based in the remote Penan jungle village of Long Kerong. This village is a 3 day hike and 4hr 4X4 ride from the nearest town, Long Banga. Trainers will spend three weeks in Long Kerong training community health workers in first aid and healthcare up to the American level of EMT. This team will also help develop health outreach programs in surrounding communities.

Team 3:

Three to Five students and one leader, plus one doctor.
This mobile team is focused on health education and medical clinics in the Penan jungle communities. The teams will be targeting specific problems such as scabies, hygiene and basic first aid training. Five villages are to be targeted with students spending three days in each village. Fitness is a priority as there will be a lot of movement through mountainous jungle.

Requirements:

  • Completion of application form, and interview process. Send your resume to info@medicforce.org for an application form.
  • Volunteers must have a minimum of WFR training and up to date CPR.
  • A good level of fitness is essential.
  • Doctors certificate of good health


Departure Dates & Inclusions:  

Departure Dates Cost  Inclusion
July 1st - August 8th. $2,800 (four weeks) All meals and accommodation are provided. Internal flights (to Bario and jungle interior) are included. Medical Insurance and emergency evacuation insurance is included. Your payment also funds this expedition and goes towards planning future expeditions. You will be responsible for you flights to Miri in Borneo and buying all necessary gear. You will also need to pay for vaccinations, a current TB test and physical from your doctor.

Fundraising

 However long you join us, we can provide you with our fundraising pack, which includes examples of other volunteers and how they raised funds. It also includes details of grant giving trusts. So we will help you raise funds to come on one of our programs - just ask for our fundraising pack once you apply.