Medical-Trips-Booklet-web-UAE

medical volunteering
trips in kenya
Healthcare Volunteering programme in rural villages &
Hospital Volunteering programme at Msambweni Hospital

e part of a social movement
When we started our journey at
Camps there wasn’t a title for
what we do and if I am perfectly
honest, I wasn’t entirely sure
how to achieve it. I wanted to
build a great business that did
great things for the planet and
given half a chance, I intended to
have a great time while I did it.
I can’t say its been an easy ride and doing
things in an uncompromising way quite often
makes for harder work. I wouldn’t change
a thing though, we have achieved so much
thanks to our extraordinary, culturally diverse
team of people around the globe. So, nearly
15 years later we now know what we are.
We’re a brilliant social enterprise and this is
our model.
Step One: Listen to the locals
The community explain the challenges they
face. We create projects they believe are
needed.
Step Two: Build local, employ local
Our camps are on community land, built in
the local style. A home for you in the hands of
the community.
Step Three: Create real impact
You work with incredible people. Real
solutions for the real world.
Step Four: Commit
365 days per year, every year, since 2002.
We love what we do and I hope you choose
to make your mark in the world with us
and get involved.
Stuart Rees Jones
Founder & CEO
The local medical team and Camps International volunteers managed to treat over 2000 people
in November 2014.

hospital outreach: our story
This is a demanding but rewarding
experience that provides you with an
expansive insight into a hugely challenging
medical environment. The programme is
suited to a number of medical professions
including surgeons, midwives and theatre
nurses. Your role will enable you to assist with
daily patient care, whilst exchanging medical
knowledge and expertise with the local team.
You will enjoy some incredible holiday days
too! We will take you on Safari in the beautiful
Shimba Hills which boasts a high density of
African Elephant. We will also arrange some
time for you to relax and recharge on the
idyllic Kenya coast.
Hospital Profile
Msambweni is a sub-county located
approximately 70km from Mombasa City.
Msambweni Hospital was established in early
1940 as a dispensary on a 35-acre plot. It
became the referral Hospital for the entire
county in mid-2013 and currently employs
178 members of staff. Msambweni has 168
beds, an emergency department and two
operating theatres. At any given time, an
average of 25,000 outpatients are attended
to in filter clinics.
Inpatient Services
Current bed capacity:168 (across five wards):
• Paediatric Ward (30 Beds + 10 Cots)
• Female Ward (36 beds)
• Male Ward (36 beds)
• Maternity Ward (42 beds)
• Amenity Ward (14 beds)
Challenges and threats:
• High poverty levels within surrounding
communities
• Communities have low access to adequate
sanitation
• Inadequate number of staff – staff to
patient ratio: 10.9/10,000
• Shortage of in-house specialised skills
• Dilapidated infrastructure
• Average bed occupancy: 85%
• Average length of stay: five days
• Average number of admissions in a
month: 600
Diagnostic and Rehabilitative Services
The Hospital offers a variety of Laboratory services, Radiology
and Ultrasound Diagnostic. Msambweni County Referral
Hospital offers Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and
Orthopaedic Technology
Most common causes of outpatient morbidity:
• Respiratory diseases
• Skin infections
• Malaria
• Accidents (fractures, injuries) and diarrhoea
Kwale County Overview
• 6th poorest County in Kenya
• Population: 151,648
• Life Expectancy: 53 years (against national average of 61)
• HIV prevalence: 6.2% (national average)
• Average Malaria cases: 30,166/100,000
The key demographic of the population are women at
childbearing age and children under five. This drives a
strong demand for maternal and child health as well as ante
and neonatal care. At peak times, up to 400 deliveries are
conducted per month.
Hospital Volunteers needed:
All levels of Hospital Nurses, Junior Doctors, All levels
of Registrar, Consultants, Surgeons, Anaesthetists,
Midwives and Paediatricians.
62 / 1,000
Children under five
mortality rate
45 / 1,000
Infant mortality rate
44 / 1,000
Neonatal death
10.9:10,000
Staff to patient ratio
53 YEARS
Life expectancy
The key demographic of the population
are women at childbearing age and children
under five. at peak times, up to 400 deliveries
are conducted per month.

HOSPITAL outreach: sample itinerary
You will spend two weeks collaborating
with staff at Msambweni County Hospital
in the Kwale region of Kenya. You will
be shadowing staff in an extremely
challenging medical environment and
your role is to support and offer guidance
where necessary. For many of you, this
will be your first experience in a hospital
facing tough demands with very limited
resources. This programme lends itself to
individuals who are pro-active, ready to
roll up their sleeves and get stuck in to the
experience. This is a fantastic opportunity
where you will get out what you put in.
Day 1 (Sunday): Karibu Kenya!
You arrive into Mombasa Airport, where a
member of our Kenya team will greet you and
take you to your accommodation at Camp
Muhaka. Camp Muhaka is a charming bush
camp set within a small rural community on
the lower slopes of the Shimba Hills. This
beautiful camp sits in the middle of a forest,
rich in palm and mango trees that provide
cooling shade from the heat of the sun,
where monkeys and bush babies inquisitively
watch you from the canopy. Your first day will
consist of settling in and meeting our camp
staff, before establishing your personal goals
and objectives for the next 14-days.
Rates: $1160 / 4350 AED per person
Travel dates: 26 Nov – 09 Dec 2016.
Location: Kenya, Camp Muhaka
Day 2: Hospital Day
We head to Msambweni for your first hospital
day. Msambweni is located approx. 30
minutes from Camp Muhaka. You will meet
Dr. Stan and other members of hospital
staff, who will deliver a welcome briefing
and orientation. During the briefing you will
learn more about the current situation and
the challenges faced at Msambweni. The
rest of the day will be spent shadowing
and supporting the medical staff in your
respective fields.
Day 3-5: Hospital Days
You will continue shadowing staff and
supporting in their patient care. The next few
days will give you a real opportunity to get
stuck in and make a difference. You will learn
more about the hospital infrastructure and
current treatment methods, with a chance to
share knowledge and expertise.
Day 6: Shimba Hills Safari
We will have an early breakfast, before
heading to the Shimba Hills for a full morning
of Safari. Shimba Hills National Reserve lies
approximately 33km south of Mombasa town,
in the Kwale district. The reserve is rich in
flora and fauna and hosts the highest density
of African elephant in Kenya. It is home to
many other species such as sable antelope,
black and rufous elephant shrew, and bushy
tailed mongoose. The forest is an important
area for bird-life boasting localised species
such as red-necked-Spur fowl, Croaking
Cisticola and Zanzibar Red Bishop. We will
head off in the early afternoon to spend the
rest of the day relaxing in Diani and making
the most of its stunning beaches.
Day 7: Beach Day
A full day to spend on the beautiful Diani
coast. You can relax on the beach or sample
the numerous shops, restaurants and beach
bars that it has to offer. There are also a
number of hotels along the coast offering spa
treatments if you feel the need to pamper
yourself for the day!
Day 8-11: Hospital Days
Back to the hospital to pick up with your
Kenyan colleagues and continue in your
shadowing and support.
Inclusions
Pre-expedition support
In-country transfers
Food and accommodation
Project costs
Coordination/staff costs
Orientation and language lessons
24-hour emergency support
Not included
Flights
Insurance
Visa
Vaccinations
Passport
Travel insurance excess
Travel to and from airport
Spending money, tips and gratuities
Personal kit
Day 12: Hospital Handover
Today is your final day at Msambweni
Hospital. There will be some time for a wrap
up and handover session with your Kenyan
colleagues. This is a great opportunity to
review your time at the Hospital, offering
feedback and presenting ideas for future
care and treatment.
Day 13: Cultural day and Farewell Party
Today you will learn more about local culture
and you will spend time with members of
the Muhaka community. They will teach you
how to cook traditional foods and make bead
and sisal rope products, with a chance to
buy souvenirs for friends and family. In the
evening we will have a farewell party and
a BBQ in camp with your colleagues from
Msambweni Hospital.
Day 14: Departure Day
Today we say our final goodbyes before
transferring you back to Mombasa Airport.

healthcare outreach: our story
In 2011, we introduced a free healthcare
initiative to communities in rural Kenya. Every
year since we have worked in collaboration
with remarkably dedicated healthcare
professionals who partner with local doctors,
practitioners and community health workers
to provide support in a number of areas.
This includes our Healthcare Outreach
programme which provides vital support
to communities by bringing a free, basic
healthcare service to their doorstep. As well
as treating patients, this initiative acts as
a valuable vehicle for awareness offering
help and advice on everything from family
planning to nutrition. To date, our healthcare
outreach initiative has benefited over
15,000 people.
The majority of people in rural Kenya are
living below the poverty line, and access to
healthcare is limited or non-existent.
This problem has led to many communities
living in unsanitary conditions which is a key
cause of many unavoidable illnesses and
diseases. In addition, children under 10 are
at a very high risk of becoming malnourished.
It is not uncommon to see an expectant
mother with a sick child, walking for miles
to find affordable and adequate medical
facilities. Many of the local hospitals are
dilapidated with a shocking lack of resources
and necessary equipment.
“I enjoyed the whole experience.
the outreach programme is amazing and
hopefully will continue to provide lots of
care for the local people.”
Healthcare Outreach Nurse, 2014 Team
Healthcare Volunteers needed:
Nurses, Travel Nurses, GPs, Med School Students or
anyone looking for a career in Nursing, Unqualified
volunteers welcome to assist qualified volunteers.
600+
Number of children that
received first aid training
from the Red Cross team
1000+
Number of children’s feet
that were checked and
treated for jiggers and
other skin diseases
300+
Number of people that
received laboratory tests
for malaria and HIV/Aids
500+
Number of school
girls given education
on sexual health and
sanitary hygiene by the
Wildlife Works team

healthcare outreach: sample itinerary
Our 14-day healthcare outreach
programme is dedicated to providing
medical access to deprived communities
in rural East Africa. Your role will involve
setting up village clinics and treating
members of the community, alongside a
group of like-minded nurses and medical
professionals.
Day 1: Arrival, camp safety briefing and
orientation
Karibu! Your first day will consist of an arrival
welcome and briefing. This will involve
orientation, a chance to meet the community
and a programme overview, including the
project goals and objectives for your trip.
Day 2: Visit clinic location and icebreakers
Today you will visit all clinic locations,
local dispensaries and hospitals, with a
view to establishing a plan for the clinic
arrangements. The afternoon will be spent
getting to know your team and allocating
jobs for everyone in the group. You will also
have the opportunity to organise all medicine
and medical equipment for your forthcoming
clinic days.
Day 3: Rotation workshops with local medical
volunteers and NGO’s
Your team will be split into small groups and
mixed with local medical professionals, giving
you the opportunity to discuss and share
knowledge about local tropical diseases
and problems facing the community. This
will provide you with a better overview of the
common ailments you can expect to see in
the field during clinic days.
Travel dates 2015:
12 Nov - 25 Nov
Travel dates 2016:
02 May - 15 May
07 Nov - 20 Nov
Rates: $1120 / 4170 AED per person
Location: Kenya, Camp Tsavo
Day 4-5: Free medical clinic and education
workshop days
You will be involved in setting up your clinics
before spending two days delivering free
healthcare services within a rural location.
A challenging but truly rewarding experience.
You will also be involved in raising vital
awareness on key issues for local youth
groups. You will set up a sexual health
workshop to deliver advice and answer
questions from the community.
Day 6: R&R day (Voi town)
Today is a rest day! We will take you a local
lodge/restaurant where you can relax, swim
and enjoy delicious Swahili food.
Day 7-8: Free medical clinic and education
workshop days
The next few days are spent back at the
clinics.
Day 9: R&R day
Another well deserved rest day that will
start with breakfast in the bush, complete
with a glass of bubbles if desired! You will
then have the opportunity to spend another
day relaxing and swimming at the lodge.
Alternatively, you can spend the day relaxing
in camp.
Day 10-11: Free medical clinic and education
workshop days
The next few days are spent back at the
clinics.
Inclusions
Pre-expedition support
In-country transfers
Food and accommodation
Project costs
Coordination/staff costs
Orientation and language lessons
24-hour emergency support
Not included
Flights
Insurance
Visa
Vaccinations
Passport
Travel insurance excess
Travel to and from airport
Spending money, tips and gratuities
Personal kit
Day 12: Clinic rap-up session and cultural
exchange afternoon
Today you will have some time to reflect on
the clinic sessions and discuss all feedback
with your group. You will also spend time
exploring pertinent issues with the local
medical staff, with an opportunity to present
ideas for future clinics. In the afternoon you
will meet a very inspiring local lady, Mama
Mercy; a woman of strength and integrity.
You will learn more about local culture, cook
traditional foods, learn how to make bead
products, sisal rope and have the opportunity
to buy souvenirs for friends and relatives.
Day 13: R&R day or optional Tsavo East
Safari
After all of your hard work, you have a final
day to relax in camp or head to the stunning
Tsavo East National Park for a day of safari.
Please note there will be an additional
charge if you choose the safari day. Please
speak to a member of our team for details.
Day 14: Departure
Today is your final day. You will have the
chance to say farewell to the community
before you airport transfer.

karen rudd: my story
Karen Rudd (RGN BA) has a
UCL Diploma in Travel Medicine
and an ISTM certificate in
travel health. Karen played an
integral role in launching our
Healthcare Outreach programme
and remains dedicated to the
ongoing development of this
extraordinary experience.
I started my training as a student nurse at
the Queen Elizabeth School of Nursing in
Birmingham. My plan was to complete and
consolidate my training before disappearing
to volunteer and utilise my skills in Africa.
However, like a lot of plans, life took over
and changed my path somewhat! I met my
husband in my second year of training and,
two years later, we were married with two
wonderful children.
Around 20 years later, my son Aaron decided
he wanted to go overseas and do some
volunteering. I was thrilled at his decision
and happily helped him research the vast
amount of options out there. When we came
across Camps International, they really
stood out for me. It was very apparent that
they were a unique company with an ethical
approach. They were both responsible and
established, with a proven record of starting
and maintaining projects that are beneficial
and sustainable.
In a nutshell; they were exactly what Aaron
and I were looking for. Aaron travelled to
Kenya with Camps and spent three months
volunteering on various community and
conservation projects.
After hearing more about Aaron’s fantastic
experience in Kenya, I contacted Camps. I
asked them why they didn’t run any shortterm
medical outreach trips. They agreed
there was a need for this and set me a
challenge; “Find 20 nurses or health support
workers who are willing to fund themselves
for a 2-week trip and we will liaise with
the Kenya Ministry of Health and make it
happen.”
I took this challenge on and helped to recruit
21 nurses. Together, we travelled to Kenya
in November 2011 and the Healthcare
programme was officially born. Since 2011,
I have travelled annually with old and new
participants and we have already achieved
a great amount. I remain as passionate as
ever about my involvement in this fantastic
initiative and we are always delighted to
welcome new volunteers on board. If this is
something you have always wanted to do
then it’s never too late! My advice would be to
grab this opportunity with both hands. Come
and join us!
In 2014, Karen and more than 30 medical
staff, both from the UK and Kenya, worked
solidly to treat over 2500 patients with more
than three to four ailments in six different
free medical clinics. The main aim of these
clinics was to offer education on health issues
affecting the local community in the Marungu
area community, and providing members with
a consultation with a qualified doctor or nurse
and to be treated if appropriate.
This year our program took new direction to
face the reality and help improve the lives of
adults and malnourished children in the rural
of Taita-Taveta County.
During the program a short survey was
conducted and it was discovered that many
children live in unsanitary conditions and
most of them suffer from debilitating intestinal
worm infestations and diarrhoea, resulting
in stunted development and disease. The
survey also reported that many children,
especially those under the age of just 10
years old, suffer from malnutrition.
It is this reason, that volunteers like Karen,
travel to Kenya every year, to give the
treatment and support they can offer, to those
who really need it, to help educate and stop
such diseases and conditions developing.
“Leave QOF behind and feel like a real Nurse
again, while meeting colleagues from home
and Africa, getting to know an appreciative
community in a beautiful country!”

Camps International
Middle East Tours LLC
Unit 213 | Apex Atrium Building
Motor City | Dubai
United Arab Emirates | PO Box 333 739
Phone: +971 (0) 4450 8931
Come and join our next trip! For more
information, please contact our UAE team
on +971 (0) 4450 8931 or visit our website
www.campsinternational.ae/healthcare
uae@campsinternational.com
www.campsinternational.ae
@CampsInt