Malaria Prevention in Malawi

  Malawi

• Other Cities in Malawi: 
Lilongwe

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks, 9-12 weeks and 3-6 months
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: Each week throughout the year.

Description: Volunteer in Malawi for 2, 4, 8 or 12 weeks as part of a gap year, career break or responsible tourism travel adventure to focus on malaria prevention in the underprivileged villages along the southern shores of Lake Malawi. Working from the volunteer base on the beach, volunteers will become a member of a team that works on malaria prevention projects and helps the fight against malaria through malaria prevention initiatives and increasing malaria awareness in Malawi!

This Yomps adventure takes volunteers to work in the beautiful and friendly African country of Malawi, helping the fight against malaria in a number of villages located near the southern end of Lake Malawi for either 2, 4, 8 or 12 weeks. By volunteering in Malawi on this Yomps programme, you will be helping the fight against malaria by aiding the implementation of a number of malaria prevention techniques and contributing towards vital Malaria awareness initiatives. There are around 500 million cases of malaria each year, of which up to 1.5 million result in death. 80% of these cases are located in sub-Saharan Africa, and often, it is children under the age of five and pregnant women who suffer from the disease and its associated agonizing Malaria symptoms, due to their fragile immune systems. In Africa, its the leading cause of death for children under the age of five, killing around 1.1 million every year.

Although Malawi, commonly known as the Warm Heart of Africa due to the friendliness of its people, is one of the most welcoming, beautiful and fascinating countries on the continent, it also one of the poorest countries in the world. In Malawi more than 50% of the population live below the poverty line, existing on a daily income of less than 60 US cents/30 UK pence per person. The Malaria epidemic in Africa affects the poorest people of the region and therefore the more vulnerable population in Malawi. The Malawians suffer the most as they lack the finances required to protect their homes and themselves against the mosquito-transmitted disease. This Yomps Malaria Prevention in Malawi Volunteering Project is dedicated to raising malaria awareness levels in the local villages along the southern shores of Lake Malawi (a malaria hotspot) and helping to implement a multitude of malaria prevention measures. As you volunteering in Malawi, you will work from the volunteer base on the southern shores of Lake Malawi and focus on implementing the most effective methods that are available to help in the fight against malaria. This includes, amongst other things: the manufacture and impregnation of specifically designed mosquito nets, installing gauze systems to homesteads, helping malaria prevalence research, conducting malaria prevention lessons and interacting with the locals on a day-to-day basis with the hope of increasing malaria awareness.

When you are not focusing on the fight against malaria, volunteers have the opportunity to explore the many sights and attractions that Malawi a country of beautiful and varied scenery has to offer. Volunteers can trek up mystic mountains and across stunning plateaus, visit the number of national parks and games reserves found in Malawi that contain some beautiful wildlife, or scuba dive in the waters of Lake Malawi before relaxing on one of its beaches. Whether you are looking for an awesome experience during your gap year, career break or responsible travel adventure, or just want to travel responsibly and help others while you do, this Yomps Malaria Prevention in Malawi volunteering is for you!

Qualifications: No previous experience is required to join this programme, as this trip is designed to give volunteers all the necessary skills and knowledge they need to volunteer in Malawi and fight against malaria. The volunteering is open to anybody of at least 18 years of age. All volunteers must be willing to work hard as part of a team, be enthusiastic, adventurous, have a good sense of humour and be respectful of the host country's environment and cultures.

Cost in US$: 1,298

Experience Required: no

Age Range: 18+

This Program is open to American, Australian, Canadian, European, Kiwi, South African and Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Malawi Independently or in Groups

Typically Participants Work in Groups

Application Process Involves:

• Online Application plus Application Assessment

Year Founded: 2006