What is Public Health Research?
Nepal faces many challenges when it comes to public health. Public Health research facilities, hygiene, nutrition, and sanitation in Nepal are of a poor standard, particularly in the rural areas and even this poor service is beyond the access of a significant fraction of the population. The infant mortality rate in Nepal is 46 deaths per 1,000 live births and the maternal mortality rate is 258 per 100000 live births. Only 39.5 % of the total population has access to improved sanitation. The deprived and poor people have inadequate access to basic health care due to high costs associated and low accessibility. The demand for health services has further dropped due to a lack of health education, awareness, and traditional beliefs.
Which is the first public health program in Nepal?
2029BS is considered the start of “Modern Public Health in Nepal”. Providing access to healthcare and sanitation to keep the population thriving, is the key to a healthy nation. The major aim of this project is to help improve health and well-being and reduce health inequities.
What is the goal of public health volunteer opportunities?
The main goal of Public Health Research is to identify problems related to public health and find possible solutions. That will give VIN a concrete baseline for the implementation of the Public health project.
In general, there are three bases for public health:
a) Healthcare service
Most of the health posts and hospitals are established to diagnose and treat health problems in the community;
b) Prevention Education
Most NGOs/INGOs and international agencies serve this drive by observing health standards and organizing health programs;
c) Public health research
This is an intensive study on health indicators and their influence on people or communities. The first two areas are well-known in Nepal; however, the research is limited.
Consequently, at VIN we want to create awareness in local communities by teaching and educating rural communities as well as facilitating first-hand medical care. The interventions to promote public health research intend to progress population health, prevent disease, and provide a certain level of awareness among the public by developing specific statically accurate data of a community that can be used for future reference.
Through the Public Health Research project, VIN aims to bridge the information gap existing in the health system of Nepal.
During your public health research placement, you will be based in one of our working sites namely Kathmandu, and Okhaldhunga. You will be living with a Nepali host family, allowing you an insight into Nepali culture and assisting you to get immersed in day-to-day Kathmandu life.
The public health research volunteer will do one or more of the following activities:
- Prepare research concepts and proposals.
- Conduct research activities on health issues and risk factors relevant to VIN’s projects such as WASH status of schools, infectious disease prevention practices, etc.
- Prepare a report of the research findings with recommendations.
- Give presentations on public health research findings.
- Prepare public health research guidelines and course
- Conduct interviews and focus group discussions on public health issues.
- Conduct case studies and write a report.
- Disease outbreak investigations.
- Public health surveillance activities.
- Intervention and prevention program evaluation.
- Public Health Post Clinical case-series reports.
- Qualitative research, cross-sectional survey studies, and disease registry
Project Specific Skills for Public Health Research
- Educational/working background in Public Health
- Knowledge of research methodologies
- Ability to work with data and records
- Good understanding of public health trends
- Experience in statistical analysis will be an added asset
Desirable/ Common Skills
- Excellent communicator with good interpersonal skills
- A team player with good workethics
- 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
- Positive attitude
Requirements
- Gender: Female / Male
- Minimum Age: 18+ years (16-17 years old person can volunteer but need to present parents’/ guardian’s consent letter)
- Language:English (Intermediate)
- Educational:High School Graduate
Your Experience/ Setting
Upon your arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA), you will receive a warm welcome and be transported to your hotel or hostel. If you are already in Nepal before the start of your placement, we can make alternative arrangements for you. You will undergo a comprehensive two- to three-day induction program after arrival. This induction will provide valuable information about your project and general information about the Nepalese language, culture, health, safety, and security. It is also an excellent opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers and interns who can become your companions for sightseeing and a source of support throughout your volunteer placement.
During the induction period, you will be accommodated in a budget hotel or hostel arranged by VIN. However, most of the VIN experience involves living with a Nepalese host family. While this immersion is essential for a complete experience, we understand that it can be challenging as you adapt to a new culture and adjust to facilities that may be more basic than you are accustomed to. Don’t worry; all our host families have experience accommodating volunteers, although their English-speaking abilities may vary. Also, you will have 24-hour access to our staff members for support and assistance throughout your placement.
Volunteers will be assigned to one of VIN’s working areas, which include Tarakeshor Municipality in Kathmandu, Taluwa, Thulachhap, and Bhadaure in Okhaldhunga, and Okharpouwa and Kaule in the Nuwakot district. While at the working site, volunteers are requested to bring their lunch box, water bottle, safety gear, face mask, and any other essential belongings. We advise volunteers to dress comfortably and modestly, preferably with long sleeves. Please get in touch with us for guidance and support if you want to raise project funds or collect project-specific resources. This will help the community a lot.
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.
Your typical day might look like this:
| 07:00-08:00 | Tea/Leisure Time |
| 08:00-09:00 | Breakfast/Brunch (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat) |
| 09:00-10:00 | Preparation for sessions |
| 10:00-13:00 | Deliver training sessions/Workshops to students |
| 13:00-14:00 | Lunch (Packed lunch) |
| 15:00-17:00 | Deliver sessions/Awareness to community people |
| 17:00-20:00 | Preparation for next day/Leisure time |
| 20:00-21:00 | Dinner (Nepali meal – Daal-Bhaat) |
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.
Click here to Learn more on how volunteering works
Mid and Long Term Volunteers:
2 weeks minimum stay- € 350
3 weeks – 450€
4 weeks – 550€ (after 4th week, for each additional week €85)
University Internships:
4 weeks minimum stay- € 650 (for each additional week – €95
Click here to Learn what’s included and excluded in our Fees Section
Click here to Learn recruitment process on how volunteering works
Our projects are open year-round, and our inductions begin on the first and third Mondays of each month. We would like to ask that volunteers arrive one day before the start of the induction. You can choose the duration of your participation based on your available time. However, so that you know, our volunteering placements are limited. We highly recommend booking your placement in advance to secure your placement. Click here to apply.
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