health program volunteering cvd
Published on: 05 Apr 2019

Campaign to prevent Cardio vascular disease, an emerging cause of death among Nepalese people

VIN organized a cardiovascular disease prevention campaign in Kavresthali. The campaign was done throughout March and will be continued on the first week of April. A public health team of medical graduate and local volunteers did it. Till now about 200 people are approached for this campaign.
Globally, Cardio Vascular Diseases (CVDs) are the leading cause of death,1 mainly due to cardiac arrest and stroke. It has been projected that the death rate would reach 23 million by 2030. In Nepal, non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are estimated to cause 60% of total deaths, with CVDs contributing to 22% of the deaths. VIN has a focus on “Cardio Vascular disease prevention awareness” in the communities for 2019. The main goal of the campaign is to create awareness about high blood pressure and cardiovascular diseases among the residents of Kavresthali. The team visited different areas of Kavresthali. During these visits, they are giving presentations, with the aid of posters, about the risks, prevention, management and common symptoms of high blood pressure. Furthermore, they measure the blood pressure, weight, height and blood glucose of as many people as possible among the villages. They discover people with high blood glucose and blood pressure so they can be treated in the local health post and change their behavior to control it. With this information a database is created and, in the future, follow-ups of patients with high blood glucose or blood sugar can be performed more easily. Also, they did follow up with the people who are diagnosed with high blood pressure in the past campaigns.

public health cvd volunteering
public health cvd volunteering

The campaign is very much effective to have a cross-sectional survey of blood sugar and blood pressure among local people. The team found challenges as well to do this job.
Maud, medical graduate and Dutch volunteer expressed her feelings towards the campaign:

I experienced that is it’s hard to convince people to change their behavior. Many people are smoking, have non-variated nutrition and fail to exercise. However, this kind of behavior is part of the cultural community and therefore hard to change. Additionally, I noticed a lack of knowledge about these kinds of diseases and behavioral risk factors. I believe that this campaign is truly useful, important and more knowledge about specific health issues is being created. So far, we found many people with high blood pressure or blood glucose of which they were not aware of. Every Tuesday I work at the local health post with Dr. Laxmi and I am really pleased to see people I have seen in the villages come by for advice, medicine or further check-ups.  I feel that together with the local Nepali volunteers we really can make a difference.

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Your Experience/Setting

On arrival you will be greeted at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) and transported to your hotel / hostel (alternative arrangements can be made for those already in Nepal prior to the start of their placement). You will then receive a comprehensive a two to three-day induction, during that time you will be provided with information about your particular project as well as general information, including basic Nepalese language and culture, health and safety. This is also a good time to mix with other volunteers or interns who may be great sight-seeing companions and a source of support during your volunteer placement.

During the induction you will be accommodated in a budget hotel or hostel at VIN. However, a large part of the VIN experience comes from the immersion of a

home stay with a Nepalese host family. While this is an essential part of the experience we also recognize that it can be a challenging one, becoming part of a new culture and becoming accustomed to facilities that will be more basic than those you are used to. However, all our host families are experienced in accommodating volunteers – although their ability to speak English will vary – and you will have 24 hours’ access to contact and support from our staff members during your placement.

Volunteers will be placed in one of VIN’s working areas namely Tarakeshor Municipality of Kathmandu, Taluwa, Thulachhap and Bhadaure of Okhaldhunga, and Okharpouwa, Kaule of Nuwakot district. While at the working site the volunteers are requested to bring their own lunch, water bottle, safety gears, face mask and other essential belongings. As a volunteer you are advised to be in a comfortable and modest attire with preferably long sleeves. If you wish to raise project funds or collect project specific resources, you may contact us.

Requirements

  • Gender: Female / Male
  • Minimum Age: 18+ years (16-17 years old person can volunteer but need to present parents’ consent letter)
  • Language: English (Intermediate)
  • Educational: High School Graduate

Schedule and Commitment

You will work five to six days a week, up to six hours per day. You may propose your preferred time and hours; however, the working time period will be dependent on the institution you have been placed. A minimum of 2 weeks’ time commitment is expected of a volunteer. The longer you commit, the better impact you can make. You should be willing to commit a certain amount of your free time and energy, show a lot of commitment and be a good listener. You are expected to work constructively and co-operatively maintaining good reputation and standards at all times. Volunteer should abide by relevant security concerns and access procedures. Moreover, you should be receptive and positive to performance appraisal, advice and feedback. Throughout your placement you will have the full support of VIN. Your safety is our highest priority.

Mentoring and Support System

You will receive a clear and concise on-the-job instructions, course of action, context of work and policies/strategies before your placement begins. You will be

provided with ample of guidance and support throughout the placement with trainings / onboarding sessions incase necessary. You will be in a constant communication and regular check-in with the VIN volunteer coordinator. VIN aims to maintain a culture of continuous feedback between the volunteer supervisor at the placement to monitor the performance of the volunteer and ensure the project delivers desired outcomes.

In case of an emergency, you may contact one of our Volunteer Coordinators who will be available anytime for your assistance and support.

Time and Fees

Mid and Long Term Volunteers:
  • 2 weeks minimum stay- € 385
  • 3 weeks – 470€
  • 4 weeks – 555€ (after 4 weeks for each additional week we charge €75)
University Internships:
  • 4 weeks minimum stay- € 615 (for each additional week we charge €85)

What VIN offers you in return?

  • On Arrival orientation (two to three days)
  • Food and Accommodation during on arrival orientation at VIN’s hostel / budget hotel on sharing basis
  • Food and Accommodation during Placement: Nepali Standard local host family – 3 meals a day
  • Transportation: Airport pick up; one time transport to and from the project site
  • Local volunteers’ support cost (optional)
  • VIN T-shirt
  • Certificate of participation
  • 24 hours emergency support
  • VIN admin cost.

What is excluded? Airfare, VISA (http://www.nepalimmigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa), vaccinations, travel & medical insurance, return airport transfer, personal travel and weekend activities expenses etc.

Desirable/ Common Skills 

  • Excellent communicator with good interpersonal skills
  • A team player with good work ethics
  • Time management and leadership qualities
  • Adaptable, flexible and able to work under pressure
  • Accepting of different ideas and culture
  • Problem solving: always be part of solutions than part of a problem
  • Creative