Are you committed to supporting efforts to stop the spread of the HIV/AIDS virus? HIV/AIDS persists to be a severe health threat in many African countries, Ghana included. AIDS is the leading killer in Africa, with over one million adults and children dying from the deadly disease in the continent alone. New Hope partners up with organizations that focus on advancing adolescent reproductive health and HIV/AIDS prevention. As a volunteer in the HIV/AIDS project, your efforts will be focused on promoting behavioral changes by facilitating related discussions in community groups, including youth, antenatal clinic patients and general community meetings. If you’re willing to share your love, time and compassion with those inflicted with the disease, then volunteer in Ghana in the HIV/AIDS project.

As a volunteer working in the HIV/AIDS project in Ghana, you will be providing care to patients infected with the diseases and also engage the community in educational and training activities. Depending on your skills, experience and interests, and also the needs of the local staff, your daily activities involve, but are not limited to:

• Counseling infected patients
• Educating locals
• Assisting clinics/hospitals
• Increasing the personal risk perception through active participation in HIV/AIDS preventive education in the community
• Assisting community HIV/AIDS organizations with outreach programs such as hospice care, recreational and educational programs
• Treat small opportunistic diseases such as headaches, stomach aches, skin diseases or diarrhea
• Assisting with voluntary HIV counseling and testing
• Organizing and leading educational seminars and conferences about the virus
• Providing friendship to patients
• Take part in support groups for those who are infected
• Assisting local organizations with administrative and organizational tasks
• Fundraising
• Promote human rights and discourage discrimination
• Lead lessons on personal hygiene
• Promote health education and nutrition

Our HIV/AIDS project is attempting to prevent the further spread of HIV/AIDS as well as offer care and support to those infected. Armed with accurate information, this project spreads awareness and education, reaching as far as possible into urban and rural communities. As a volunteer, you’ll be using the Stepping Stones approach, which focuses on promoting behavioral change through facilitating discussions of HIV prevention and sexual health with community groups. Volunteer in Ghana, and be part of the campaign to halt the disease. This is also the perfect opportunity for you to gain experience in the healthcare industry in Africa. You’ll also be able to learn about the medical system in a developing country, and gain better understanding on how healthcare is perceived.

There is no specific education, experience, skills and/or qualifications needed to join our fight against HIV/AIDS in a volunteer project. Those with medical credentials will be able to help according to your certifications. If you are interested in the healthcare field, this is a good opportunity to gain professional experience. However, volunteers are expected to be flexible and patient as well as passionate and have love for the poor and HIV-infected people of Ghana.

Your understanding of Ghanaian culture and language can help improve the experience for both you and your patients. Consider enrolling in our one-week Language & Cultural Immersion program.

The project is based in Akatsi. Akatsi is a town in Ghana, and the main language spoken is Ewe. The main bread bowl of the town is subsistent agriculture along with vibrant buying and selling. Akatsi receives very few travelers, as most stick to more popular destinations such as Accra. Attractions at Akatsi include Sogakope, Fort Prinzenstein and Ada, known for its beaches and water sports.

Volunteers will have a colorful assortment of choices on how to spend their free time away from projects. Ghana offers one of four rainforest tree canopy walks in the world, where you can get a literal bird’s eye view and observe the breathtaking beauty of the rainforest down below. You can also explore Ghana’s beaches. Be it sea turtle sightings, water sports or lounging on the white sands; there is something for everyone. Wildlife is abundant throughout the country and Ghana is home savannah elephants and many other mammals, including seven types of monkeys. The urban experiences deliver cathedrals, museums, theaters, restaurants and more.