idealist.org

Namibia’s response to its HIV/AIDS epidemic has been hindered by a lack of qualified medical technologists, who play a crucial role in HIV care and treatment by informing decisions related to ART, as well as the diagnosis and treatment of opportunistic infections. Currently, there are only 160 medical technologists in the country and the infrastructure and expertise to train more lab professionals does not exist. Namibia’s Visions 2030 projects a healthy and prosperous nation in less than 21 years. To achieve this challenging mandate, it is necessary build human resource capacity within laboratories across the country.

The HIV/AIDS Twinning Center has linked the Polytechnic of Namibia in Windhoek with the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock to develop and launch a new medical technology degree program at the Polytechnic.

Specific partnership objectives are to:
• Enhance the quality of medical diagnostics services in Namibia by increasing the number of medical technologists (Bio-medical Scientists);
• Strengthen the Polytechnic’s capacity to provide continuing education to practicing scientists; and
• Strengthen the Polytechnic’s the capacity to deliver a medical technology curriculum in keeping with international standards and ensure that key student competencies are achieved.

Drawing on UAMS’s extensive experience training medical technologists and managing an effective medical technology program, partners are working to build the institutional and human resource capacity needed to effectively support Namibia’s laboratory services.
Staff and faculty at the Polytechnic need to better understand the current and projected needs for laboratory personnel and other allied health professionals in Namibia to determine the size of student cohorts; forecast staffing, infrastructure, and other needs; and most effectively align current and expected resources in implementing the medical technology and other programs. The volunteer Researcher will conduct a thorough analysis of the laboratory personnel needs in the public and private laboratories and other allied health professional human resource needs, both countrywide and disaggregated by district.

*****

In accordance with our continuous efforts to offer high quality programs, safe projects, and the most rewarding volunteer opportunities, the program offers basic benefits to all eligible volunteers including:

* coach airfare
* vaccinations and prophylactic treatments, when recommended
* visa and work permit
* travel, accident and medical evacuation insurance
* housing that is basic, but clean and safe OR a housing allowance
* a modest allowance to cover living expenses
* pre-assignment orientation and in-country support

If you are interested in serving as a catalyst for sustainable change and want to make a meaningful contribution to the global fight against AIDS, go to http://www.twinningagainstaids.org/volunteers.html.