Risks for Overseas Volunteers
Volunteering brings a number of specific health risks. Longer duration of travel
Spending long periods of time abroad can affect aid worker health and increases the risk of contracting endemic diseases. This makes it particularly important to consider immunisations such as rabies, meningitis and Japanese B encephalitis. Long-term travel increases the aid workers risks of psychological problems. Volunteers can become homesick and may struggle to adapt to a new way of life. One consequence may be depression or personality changes. Another might be increased use of drugs, alcohol or professional sex workers, with all their attendant risks. Likelihood of residing in rural and less developed areas
This can increase contact with livestock or forest and raise the risk of transmission from animals. Rabies is a particular risk. Access to medical care may be poor and it can be difficult to obtain simple medicines. Taking a good comprehensive first aid kit and a supply of basic drugs would be sensible. Greater contact with endemic diseases, especially if volunteering in the health care sector If working in the healthcare sector you should pay particular attention to hepatitis B status.
Problems with food and water
The use of night soil (human faeces) as fertiliser or lack of facilities for washing can increase the risk of food and water being contaminated. Water may be drawn from wells or rivers close to communal latrines. Water purification will be particularly important. Local diets may require some adaptation or may be unsuitable. Isolation may be a problem
People cope differently with isolation and some may find it frustrating and depressing. It may help to take a short-wave radio, a mobile or even a satellite phone. Isolation from facilities can be problematic especially at times of medical or dental need. Dental work abroad can risk infection with hepatitis B or HIV so you should make every effort to ensure good dental health before leaving home. Increased risk of sexual contact
Sexual contact with other volunteers or the local population is particularly likely in the volunteer sector. Barrier contraception should always be used. Travellers should bring contraception from home, as local condoms and makes of pill may not always be reliable. In some regions local endemic rates of HIV are alarmingly high. Local transport
Developing countries have a high rate of road accidents. Rural roads may be pot-holed and driven on by poorly lit and badly driven vehicles. Using these roads can be extremely hazardous. Malaria
Vvolunteers should practise long-term prophylaxis and bite prevention. Doxycycline and mefloquine are suitable drugs. |