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GET INVOLVED - Contact Us Now For 2027

VOLUNTEERING

IHP has several ways for you to plug in and volunteer your time, whether that includes coming to Tanzania to provide medical care, administrative support, or construction muscles, or providing community outreach by hosting an event or fundraiser in your hometown where IHP can share their story with new people. Below you'll find the relevant information for all volunteers that want to make the trip to Tanzania. When you have filled it out, just attach it in an email to Paula.

VOLUNTEER APPLICATION

(once filled out please email to paula@ihptz.org)

STUDENTS

We host Medical students, College students, Youth teams, Churches, and Families that want to travel with a purpose. In addition to rotations for pediatrics, tropical medicine, infectious diseases, and family practice, we host residents and fellows from Mayo Clinic and multiple other medical schools from around the world.

MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS

Our outpatient department serves adults as well as children. Visiting Medical Professionals have the opportunity not only to serve our patients but to share their skills and knowledge with our staff. You will also learn from our staff about tropical diseases and parasitic diseases not commonly seen in the US as learning and communication occurs both ways. Your participation is valued and such a blessing to our patients and their families. The connections made often endure for years.

LET US KNOW ABOUT YOUR MEDICAL EXPERIENCE

VISAS

Tourist Visas cost $100 (USD) and may be paid upon entering the country at the airport. For more information about visas please visit https://visa.immigration.go.tz/start

Tanzanian Embassy website: https://tanzanianembassy-us.org

TRAVEL INFORMATION

Mwalimu Julius Nyere International Airport in Dar es Salaam is the largest international airport to fly into from the US and Europe. It takes up to 14 hours to drive to Dodoma, however, there are domestic African flights and train services available from Dar es Salaam to Dodoma. If your flight lands at KIA International Airport near Mt. Kilimanjaro,

the drive to Dodoma is only about 8 hours and you'll be greeted by IHP personnel, spend the night in Arusha, and drive you to Chihoni the next day. Domestic flights are also available from Arusha to Dodoma.

We recommend travel insurance.

VACCINATIONS

The yellow fever vaccine is no longer required unless you come from somewhere where it is endemic or spend more than 12 hours in Kenya before arriving in Tanzania. We recommend that you check the CDC website (www.cdc.gov/travel for whatever may be recommended at the time of your travel.

Check with your personal physician that all your immunizations are up to date including, but not limited to:

An up-to-date Tetanus shot
Hepatitis A and B (note: Hep B shots are given 30 days apart, make sure you have your second one scheduled before your travel date.)
A booster for MMR
Immunization for chickenpox
DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus)
Polio booster
Malaria prophylaxis and General Health Guidelines

TO REDUCE THE RISK OF CONTRACTING MALARIA & OTHER DISEASES

- always use EFFECTIVE insect repellent when outside

- follow CDC recommendations for Malaria Prophylaxis

- close doors and non-screened windows at dusk to keep bugs out

- drink only bottled water including brushing your teeth

- follow our instructions for handling dishes, utensils, showers, etc.

- follow our recommendations for cleaning fruit and vegetables

- don't eat raw fruits or vegetables unless you KNOW they have been sanitized

- don't eat salads in restaurants

- don't walk barefoot outside

ADDITIONAL TRAVEL INFORMATION

In Chihoni, room and board will be arranged by Paula. $50 (USD) per day covers the cost of room and three meals. Laundry is available for $5 (USD) per week.

CELL PHONES - US

- Contact your provider for information about international rates and charges. Pre-paid

phones are available for purchase starting $30 (USD).

CELL PHONES - EUROPE

- We suggest purchasing a Tanzanian sim card for use of your personal phone.

Volunteers that leave the compound should have a cellphone with them to stay in touch with Paula if needed.

If there is an emergency and your family or friends need to contact you while you are in Tanzania, they should call 011 255 767 141 777

CULTURAL INFORMATION

Traveling to an emerging country is a life changing experience. There is a condition known as "Tanzaphilia" meaning "once you have been there, you will always return." Most Tanzanians are multi-lingual (Swahili, English, and their mother tongue). Whether you come for a long or short time, it is important to learn common greetings. In Tanzania, greetings are very important. Before business begins, it is always expected to exchange greetings and to inquire about the state of things at home and work. See your favorite local bookstore for finding information on East-African Culture and common Swahili phrases.

ATTIRE

Modest clothing is expected in respect of the culture. Men should wear pants as only children typically wear shorts. Tight slacks or tight jeans are never appropriate. Women should cover shoulders and knees and bring at minimum one well-below the knee skirt to wear to church and other "dress up" occasions. Shorts and sportswear is appropriate while in game parks, however unwise as it gives the bugs a greater surface area to bite. In Dodoma, the dress is more westernized and relaxed, but short shorts are never appropriate, anywhere.

Medical workers can wear scrubs in the clinic, but please, not in town. Closed-toed shoes must be worn in the clinic, but sandals or tennis shoes are acceptable elsewhere.

THINGS TO DO AND SEE - SAFARI

There is a lot to do and see when not working. At Chihoni, you can go walking with a partner, play football with the local youth (soccer), play games and do puzzles, Other opportunities in Tanzania include going on Safari, or climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, or visiting Zanzibar, which is known as the Spice Island and is full of rich history and beautiful beaches.

For adventures in country we highly recommend Pure-Afro Travels. They are able to present a carefully curated collection of journeys that reflect the true faces of Tanzania, its landscapes, its traditions, its people, and the quiet dignity of the communities and wildlife that call it home.

Explore their website at www.pure-afro.com. Email: vesna@pure-afro.com. Vesna is the queen of detail and follow-up and we feel confident having our volunteers in her care. Click the button below to go directly to their website.

PURE-AFRO TRAVELS