A report by our
canadian friends Lisa Casey and Naomi Resnick
 Health-Aid
has influenced us in ways that will be with us for the rest of our lives.
Being a part of the program has changed our way of thinking, our career
objectives, and even our view of the world.
Words cannot adequately express our gratitude for including us in what
is quite possibly the best volunteer experience we could have had. We
came to Ghana with certain hopes and dreams: Health-Aid allowed us to
realize all of them. This was truly a life-altering experience. We spent
many months in Canada researching different volunteer opportunities
in developing countries – there are literally thousands of different
NGOs offering such placements. Health-Aid stood out as being superior
for many reasons that will be elaborated on in the following section.
As a side note, this is the only program we are aware of that does not
expect volunteers to pay their own way. In fact, many organizations
demand copious amounts of money just for participating.
Health-Aid's willingness to sponsor their volunteers is indicative of
an underlying attitude: specifically, that the aim of the NGO is to
help the underprivileged people of Saboba, not to capitalize on idealistic
youth or to cover their exorbitant administrative costs. The opportunity
to interact with the local staff is one of the best aspects of Health-Aid.
We are completely enamoured with the Ghanaian team. The time spent collaborating
as colleagues and becoming friends is cherished. There has not been
a moment in Ghana when we have not felt part of a strong support network.
Upon arrival we received a warm welcome that eased the transition into
African life: we were met at the airport by Francis, Kingsley and Jacob
who dedicated an abundance of time and energy ensuring that we were
well taken care of.
In Saboba, extended members of the team like Happy and Veronica made
us feel welcome by inviting us into their homes. The translators and
medical students were always available to talk to and helpful whenever
we had any questions or concerns. Divine's hospitality went above and
beyond anything we ever expected. All the local staff made Health-Aid
a memorable experience that will not soon be forgotten.
The scope of the outreach is impressively extensive. Not only did we
reach a substantial number of people in the Saboba/Chereponi district,
we also affected many different types of people: we worked with villagers
and town people, women and men, children and elders, students and teachers,
health workers and farmers, and the list goes on.
The distances traveled during Action V were remarkable, as the pick-up
truck seemed to know no boundaries. Working within different contexts
is exciting and adds to the breadth of the program; we enjoyed our time
spent at schools, at World Aids Day, at RILADEP, at the hospital, in
the IGP office, etc.
The magnitude of Health-Aid is un ique
and we feel lucky to have been a part of a program that reaches so many
people in so many different ways. Health-Aid makes both the national
and international community aware of the needs of the rural, deprived
people of Saboba. The program keeps Ghanaian doctors in touch with the
health issues facing the Northern population; while many Ghanaian healthcare
professionals are leaving their country to pursue more lucrative options,
Health-Aid provides an opportunity for those who are so inclined to
stay in Ghana and help their people.
Moreover, Health-Aid keeps Western doctors (and lay people) in touch
with African health issues.
It was fascinating to work alongside these doctors and learn about the
medical problems endemic to Africa. The educational component of Health-Aid
is the most indispensable aspect of the program. Education is power.
Education saves lives.
Within the realm of medicine there is prevention and treatment. In this
context, education and prevention are synonymous. Preventative medicine
is relatively cheap, and therefore accessible to all people.
Hiring educators is a great way to include non-healthcare professionals
in the program; having people with different backgrounds brings a greater
variety of input and perspectives. The educational component is fantastic,
and should be developed to its fullest potential.
Lisa Casey and Naomi Resnick, January 2004
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