Laboratory Volunteering in Ghana

What is the Laboratory Volunteer Project in Ghana all about?

Come to Cape Coast and volunteer in a laboratory in Ghana and work in a local hospital, clinic or lab supporting a local community. Volunteering in a laboratory isn’t usually the first thing that springs to mind when you think of Ghana, but the need for support in this area is there nevertheless! The lab is small to medium size and community-based dedicated to meet the needs of the clinicians and patients to provide diagnosis. The lab runs tests for a local hospital that offers services in general medicine, surgery, obstetrics and gynaecology, laboratory tests, x-ray, dermatology, venereology, ophthalmology, ECG, mother and child healthcare and ultrasound. For all these departments there is only one laboratory where all patients get sent to for tests, which means that there is an incredibly high workload.

Living conditions, bathing in dirty water, unclean, dust lead to a number of different ailments. Malaria is a problem and there is a new case every day – testing in the laboratory focuses mainly on blood but also urine and faeces. HIV testing is also common. The laboratory itself is a small space but it is always busy as it is much in demand, and the waiting area outside is often full of patients, young and old. Come and work in a laboratory in Ghana and gain an insight not only into local diseases and diagnosis but also to work alongside a hard-working friendly local team.

Why choose this Volunteer in a Laboratory project?

Volunteering in a laboratory is not the most common project choice for those considering embarking upon a volunteering trip, and projects based in laboratories are few and far between. Because volunteering abroad in a laboratory is relatively unheard of, many laboratories go without volunteer support when it is, in fact, something that would benefit them greatly. For anyone with an interest in a laboratory placement, this project is a great place to start. The hospital values the addition of international volunteers to its team, as it strongly believes in cross-culture awareness and the building of global citizenship.

Role of the Laboratory Volunteer

Volunteers will assist wherever is needed in the laboratory. Your role will vary depending on your experience, but you will work under the supervision of a local clinician. Activities may involve talking to patients, recording information, logging information onto the computer system, administering the appropriate tests and also analyzing laboratory results. You may also be put to work by collecting blood from patients, using the laboratory equipment to diagnose, learning new manual diagnostic techniques and data handling. Whether you have experience or not, is not important, as there are many tasks that you can get involved in and the work you do will be greatly appreciated by local staff.

What skills do I need to be a Laboratory Volunteer in Ghana?

No particular skills are required to volunteer in a Laboratory in Ghana, although any experience will certainly be helpful to you. You must have a keen interest in volunteering in a laboratory, be enthusiastic and willing to take on any task that is given to you. The laboratory is a small place, and therefore it is essential that you work well with others and as part of a team. If you demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills and a good aptitude, you may be given the opportunity to help in other ways, but these decisions are always made by the local team.

Volunteers interested in tropical diseases, lab chemistry, microbiology, haematology will find this placement very interesting and anyone who is an expert or has proven skills in an area may be able to do extra tasks under supervision. You will be asked to send your CV/resume before being accepted onto this project.

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