What’s your role?
Programme Lead. I work with our team and local partners to find ways to collaborate, so that On Call Africa can deliver programmes that remove barriers to health within communities. This includes implementing project delivery plans. Also, monitoring and evaluating frameworks so that we deliver the best quality projects to our communities.
What’s been your biggest achievement at On Call Africa so far?
Expand partnerships to deliver complementary projects in the communities that On Call Africa targets. And in doing so, remove the underlying barriers to health.
What made you decide to work for On Call Africa?
I experienced life in a remote Zambian community for three years. That’s where I saw first-hand, how difficult it was for rural community members to get health care in the first instance.
On Call Africa does vital work in providing last-mile access to care. And it’s improving equality and general health and wellbeing in Zambia.
This work, and its focus on working with government at all levels, is what made me want to work with the charity. It’s making meaningful improvements to access, and to the quality of health care – for all Zambians.
Why should someone give up their time to volunteer for On Call Africa?
Volunteering is a great way to use your abilities in an environment that offers a wide range of skills and ideas. It’s also an opportunity to learn new things. And to gain a new perspective.
What’s your biggest challenge for the year ahead?
Continuing to adapt to the many changes happening around us, not only in Zambia, but around the world. We’re committed to working with our team, volunteers, and partners to keep improving access to primary health care in Zambia.
In a setting where there’s a high prevalence of malnutrition, many individuals have underlying health issues. These include
- HIV,
- tuberculosis,
- diabetes,
- malaria, to
- high-risk pregnancies.
We will work proactively with our partners to ensure that we keep tackling these public health challenges during the Covid era.
The medical clinics and training you provide sound incredible – tell me more!
Mobile clinics are a great way for our Community Health Workers to develop their medical skills in a practical setting. Community Health Workers provide primary health care close to the homes of individuals who’re at risk. And, they have the ability to:
- practice family history-taking,
- form a diagnosis,
- provide treatment, and
- give advice that promotes healthy behaviours.
Tell me something about you that no one else knows…
I’ve always wanted to be a dolphin trainer. Maybe one day it will happen!
Have you got any tips on Zambia for future volunteers?
I’ve lived in Zambia for almost four years now. I’d recommend that if you’re interested to volunteer, you should consider coming here to live and work. I’d also suggest they learn to cook traditional Zambian foods!
What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
I like to exercise, and cook.
Why should we support On Call Africa?
Supporting On Call Africa, helps to strengthen the healthcare system in Zambia. We work to improve access to quality health care via our governmental and non-governmental organisations, as well as our community partners. By training Community Health Workers, we strive to bring primary health care closer to families. And make sustainable improvements to the way in which people access the healthcare system in Zambia.
To meet more of our fantastic team please click here