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NIGERIA
WEST AFRICA
IM O STATE | JULY 2 016
THE NIGERIAN HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION INC. asks you to
join us in our mission to stop the deterioration of Nigeria due to problems
such as poverty, hunger, and disease. Lend a helping hand and we will
show you how you can change a life.
Our goal is to drastically improve not only the health conditions in Nigeria
but also the state of social welfare. On our two-week medical missions
we estimate receiving visits from nearly 400 patients a day – 95% are
individuals from remote areas who would never have otherwise received
medical attention because it is either inaccessible or costly.
Through this program, donated medicines and medical supplies reach
impoverished and isolated communities where even basic medical care
is inaccessible to the poor or often non-existent.
We have the opportunity to touch thousands of lives. Join us and become
a face of hope.
The opportunity to travel internationally and especially to West Africa is
an exciting experience. To make sure this is the right opportunity for you
we have prepared this overview.
NHF JULY MISSION TRIP | 2
Healthcare in Nigeria
HEALTHCAR E I N NI G E RI A
HEALTH CARE is one of the biggest challenges in Nigeria and the rest
of Africa. With a population of 170 million, Nigeria is the most populous
country in Africa. It faces the challenges of a petroleum-based economy,
ethnic and religious strife and widespread corruption. In the midst of
economic deprivation, families have very little access to health care.
With one of the world’s highest fertility rates, the people in this country
of contradictions have an average life expectancy of only 52 years.
Widespread poverty, malnutrition, poor sanitation and limited access to
clean drinking water compound the critical health issues.
High maternal and infant mortality with lack of prenatal care and shortages
of basic medications are among the leading causes of preventable death.
There is a high risk of communicable disease: malaria, yellow fever,
Hepatitis A and E, typhoid and diarrheal disease.
Another major problem afflicting the healthcare system in Nigeria is
the “brain drain” of doctors and medical staff. It is estimated that there
are four doctors for every 10,000 inhabitants. Highly-trained experts
often leave the country in order to pursue their profession in countries
with better infrastructure or higher wages. For these reasons and more
the Nigerian Healthcare Foundation brings doctors and public health
practitioners from the United Sates to provide charitable medical care to
hundreds of under-served people in Nigeria.
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TRIP INFOR MAT I ON
INTERESTED IN JOINING THE JULY 2016 MISSION TEAM?
MISSION TRIP DATES: JULY 6 – JULY 18, 2016
Volunteers will be needed to travel to Nigeria for 2 weeks During Mid-Late July. July 6–July 18 are
approximate dates. NOTE: Dates are subject to change slightly +/- two (2) days on either end.
QUALIFICATIONS
We are looking for volunteers who have a passion for
healthcare equity in developing countries. You will be
spending time amongst people who are full of life and love
yet, they go without basic healthcare needs being resolved
amidst the pervasiveness of poverty and disease.
WHO: Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists and anyone who is
passionate about this mission.
AGE: 18 years old and above ONLY
EXPERIENCE: None Necessary, But Dedication A Must
SIZE LIMIT: 10-15 VOLUNTEERS
Priority goes to Doctors, Nurses, & Pharmacists who would
like to join us.
PASSPORT
A passport is required! If you have one, it must be valid for
up to 3 months after your travel date. For Americans, The
United States Department of State issues passports that are
valid for ten (10) years. Please double check. An application
form can be picked up at any U.S. post office or downloaded
at www.travel.state.gov.
If this is a renewal, mail in the old passport with two recent
passport photos and a fee. (An additional cost is charged if
you would like the application expedited in 3 weeks). If this is
a new request, two of the following required identifications
will be need to be enclosed with your application and a fee.
a. Birth Certificate with impressed seal and recording
date showing birth was recorded in city with a year
of your birth.
b. Naturalization Papers
c. Driver’s License (copy)
d. Government identification card
The application and supporting documents should be sent
to the nearest passport agency. Your passport will be sent
to you within four to six weeks. www.travel.state.gov
An expediting service can also be used for an additional
cost for those requiring one-day renewal or ten day-two
week services.
VISA APPLICATION
Certain countries require permission to enter their country
separate from a valid passport. A (visa) is required to enter
the Republic of Nigeria. The Nigerian Healthcare Foundation
team will assist in the processing of visas before departure.
In order to obtain a Nigerian Visa, one must submit with the
following things. The Nigerian Consulate in New York City
issues the official Visa.
a. A Nigerian Visa application completed on-line.
b. Receipt for Visa application. (NHF will cover)
c. A valid passport
d. Proof of Yellow Fever inoculation (varies)
e. 2 passport pictures (color).
INOCULATIONS
Inoculations from various diseases provide protection and
maximize enjoyment of your trip.
A vaccination for Yellow Fever is required to enter Nigeria
and most African countries. This should be documented
through a yellow International Certificate of Vaccination,
which is available from travel clinics or the local public
health service. Proof of this vaccination will be requested
upon entry to Nigeria.
All travelers should visit either their personal physician or a
travel health clinic 4-8 weeks before departure.
MALARIA: Most physicians recommend taking oral
dosages 2 weeks before; once a week during your stay
and 4 weeks upon your return. Prophylaxis with Lariam,
Malarone, or doxycycline is recommended for all areas.
NHF JULY MISSION TRIP | 4
Recommended Vaccinations:
Hepatitis A
Recommended for all travelers
Typhoid
Recommended for all travelers
Yellow fever
Recommended for all travelers. Required for travelers arriving from a yellow-feverinfected area in Africa or the Americas.
Meningococcus
Recommended for all travelers
Polio
One-time booster recommended for any adult traveler who completed the childhood
series but never had polio vaccine as an adult
Hepatitis B
For travelers who may have intimate contact with local residents, especially if visiting
for more than 6 months
Rabies
For travelers who may have direct contact with animals and may not have access to
medical care
Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given
Tetanus-diphtheria
Revaccination recommended every 10 years
NOTE: All vaccinations are not necessary, please ask a doctor that is knowledgeable to advise you.
NHF ACCOMMODATIONS
We will be staying in a house provided by a family in or near
the village where we will be conducting the medical mission.
Food will be prepared and cooked for the volunteers.
Vegetarians will be accommodated and you will have the
opportunity to indicate that when you receive a confirmation
from our office regarding your attendance.
All Transportation and Security will be provided. Upon
traveling to the South East of Nigeria, security detail will be
with the team 24 hours a day.
FLIGHT
The Mission Team typically departs as a group from either
Newark International Airport (Newark, NJ) or JFK International
Airport (Queens, NY). Flight time is approximately 13 hours
total. Dress comfortably and bring a good read.
WEATHER & DRESS
Nigeria is a tropical country and in July the weather can be
very warm – 80 F. Wearing natural fabrics such as cotton can
assist in keeping comfortable. As the final schedule evolves,
we will be able to give specifics on appropriate attire for
certain activities and events. Persons who have African
or Afro-centric clothing should feel free to bring them for
evening events or day activities. A suggested attire sheet
will accompany each participant’s pre-travel information
package before departure.
MONEY EXCHANGE
Nigeria has a dual currency system that frequently uses
its local currency (Naira) and the U.S. dollar. The current
exchange rate is 155N to $1 USD. It is highly recommended
that dollars be converted into local currency for spending.
Your spending goes further once your money is converted.
Travelers checks can also be converted but at a lower
exchange rate. Most local places do not take credit cards,
except for hotels, a few restaurants, travel agencies and a
few boutiques that cater to the international buyer. ATMs
have arrived in Nigeria, but will only dispense the local
currency. It is recommended that both the use of credit
cards and ATMs be kept at a minimum or not used AT ALL.
COMMUNICATION
Arrangements can be made for the purchase of a local phone
card or if desired a temporary cell phone. US phones now
have access to use GSM and an international chip may be
able to be installed on your domestic phone. Blackberries,
and other similar PDAs have difficulty in Nigeria from the
US. Please check your carrier before departure.
During our visit, the time difference will be 5-hours (GMT)
ahead of EST (New Jersey/New York). Anyone bringing a
computer should also purchase a converter to 220V. (Three
prongs)
FOOD
Participants will have an opportunity to try the array of foods
that are indigenous to Nigeria and West Africa. Although
somewhat spicy, many dishes are adapted for their visitors
taste. As an international city Lagos will also have an array
of restaurants including, continental, Chinese, Italian,
Lebanese, French and fast foods that are familiar. NHF will
also provide an opportunity to sample Nigerian food before
our departure.
All American visitors are encouraged to drink only bottled
mineral water. Bottled water should be used for teeth
brushing and ice. Following these tips will assist you in
having a pleasant experience.
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FINANCIAL COMMITMENT & FUNDRAISING
F UN DRAISING R E QU I R E ME N TS
TOTAL COST OF MISSION TRIP: $3,000
Amount will cover the following:
• Two (2) Round Trip Flights: International and
Domestic
• Visa Application Fee
• All Meals, Lodging, Transportation and Tours
• Security
• 2016 Mission Team Gear
• Insurance will be provided.
FUNDRAISING GOALS
Deposit: $750
25% To ensure your commitment and to secure your
plane ticket, a deposit will be requested to reserve
your spot once we confirm your attendance.
$1,125 raised and submitted by
75% end of April 2016
100% Final $1,125 raised and
submitted by end of June 2016
NOTE: Insurance will not cover expensive personal
items such as cameras, jewelry, glasses or mobile
phones. You should arrange your own insurance
coverage for such items.
YOU are responsible for ensuring that donors
receive thank you and acknowledgment notes.
Nigerian Healthcare Foundation can only write
acknowledgment letters for tax purposes to
donors who write checks directly to Nigerian
Healthcare Foundation. If checks are written to
NHF, we will apply the funds to your account.
FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES
• Volunteer Fundraising Letter
Volunteers will be provided with a sample
solicitation letter and remittance envelope.
You can feel free to edit it to fit your needs. This
letter will help you approach family and friends
to support you on your journey.
• Online Fundraising
You are encouraged and welcome to solicit
sponsors towards the costs of the trip online.
Great fundraising tools online include: Classy.org,
GoFundMe.com, Chipin, Crowdrise. The NHF team
will help you get this set up.
• Host An Event
Up to hosting an event? Hosting a happy hour or an
event at your home for friends and family to raise
funds is another great way to raise awareness and
funds for your trip.
NIGERIAN HEALTHCARE FOUNDATION
2016 MEDICAL MISSION APPLICATION
Use link directly above to apply today! The application will close on Mon. February 29.
NHF JULY MISSION TRIP | 6
Nigerian Healthcare Foundation
17 Academy Street Newark, NJ 07102
s Web: www.nhfinc.org
mEmail: [email protected]
O Phone: 973.792.1415
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