Our Healthcare Helper project gives an opportunity to volunteers to help in local clinics in Livingstone, Zambia, gaining practical experience on the ground while experiencing how the medical and healthcare system works in a developing country with a very different culture and socio-economic problems including poverty.
| Starting days | Start and end days are Mondays |
| Minimum Requirements | 2 weeks and longer subject to visa requirements. A minimum age of 18 years old and older. Criminal background check for helping with children |
| Cost | £600 for 2 weeks and £150 for each additional week |
| What is included | Meeting you at the airport in Livingstone on arrival, airport transfers, shared accommodation at the volunteer house, a letter of support for visa if needed, pre-departure admin and support, orientation and induction, in-country staff with 24/7 support, food, a t-shirt, a volunteer card, a bicycle to commute to the clinic and back and any additional running costs. |
| What is not included | Flights, visa costs, travel insurance, laundry and spending money for recreational activities. |
| Best for | Career breakers, nursing and medicine students, qualified nurses and doctors and retired medical professionals, gap year students who are interested in a health care field |
Project description
Our Healthcare Helper project gives an opportunity to volunteers to work in local clinics in Livingstone gaining practical experience on the ground while experiencing how the medical and healthcare system works in a developing country with a very different culture and socio-economic problems and of course poverty.
Many diseases are regularly found in most of sub-Sahara African countries including malaria, TB, cholera, HIV/AIDS, accident-related injuries, mental illness, etc so volunteers and interns get opportunities to experience situations on the ground that they may not have access to in Europe, the UK, USA and other western areas.
This Healthcare Helper project is designed to support and develop the local screening and testing for infectious diseases and improve public health for the well-being of the community of Livingstone. Early detection is key to effective treatment and reducing the spread of infection, making this work both impactful and essential. A key area is also areas of obstetrics with labour and delivery being a key point plus antenatal care. Assistance with non-clinical support during labour and delivery, helping nurses with patient comfort, observation, and basic maternity care is always welcome.
Please note that surgery does not take place in the public clinics but in local hospitals and the only patients that might stay over in the wards are mothers that have just given birth for observation but that is normally 6 hours from birth.
Volunteers who are studying or qualified in any HealthCare are welcome, but we also accept school leavers that are looking to go into any of the Nursing or Medical studies. The areas you could assist in are antenatal care, labour and delivery, postnatal care, under five clinic, family planning, cervical cancer screening, screening for HIV, TB and other infectious diseases, laboratory, pharmacy, counselling, triage support, ultrasound, EMTCT, ART services, male circumcision, STI screening, sexual and reproductive health for men, NCD screening, outpatient, kidney function, lung function, emergency services and other related field.
The role of the Healthcare Helper volunteer is to support the local clinics and assist trained medical staff with their workload, help protect and promote the health of the clinic patients and the visiting public, take care of the patients, contribute to teaching and training other healthcare professionals if qualified, act as a positive role model, engaging with clinic colleagues to maintain and improve the safety and quality of patient care and use healthcare resources efficiently for the benefit of patients and the public, etc.
The clinics are 24/7 and sisters and nurses work shifts. The Healthcare volunteers will do day shifts but can ask to assist on night shift if they choose.
Healthcare in Livingstone, Zambia reflects many of the broader challenges and strengths found in the country’s public health system.
There is a focus on maternal and child care to improve maternal health, reduce infant mortality and elimination of mother-to-child transmission (EMTCT). Clinics often need support in prenatal care, deliveries, and postnatal follow-up.
Livingstone has a combination of public clinics and hospitals and some private healthcare facilities that offer more specialised or faster services (usually at a higher cost). Our focus is on public clinics that offer free services to the local residents where there is a large cachment area of residents that attend the clinics. Public healthcare facilities often face staff shortages, limited medical supplies, and underfunding, which can affect service delivery, especially in rural or high-demand areas.
These public healthcare clinics commonly address a range of health issues, including malaria, HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, maternal and child health, male circumcision, and non-communicable diseases such as hypertension, diabetes, kidney function, cervical canceer screening and more.
Volunteers will need a paper copy of their criminal background check because they will be assisting with vunerable babies and children.
Typical Clinic Day
Healthcare volunteers assist Monday to Friday for roughly 8 hours a day in a shift.
Daily estimated schedule which can be slightly different depending on the clinic you are assigned too:
06h45- wake up, have a quick shower, help yourself to breakfast and make a packed lunch to take with and some bottled water.
07h30- leave for the clinic by bicycle for a leisurely ride.
08h00- arrive at the clinic to start the day.
12h30-break for a nice long lunch which gives you time to shop at a local market or shop
17h00- head back to the volunteer house
17h30 – enjoy some time with a good book, take a stroll into town, socialise with other volunteers or visit a local market. Or just catch up on laundry.
18h30 – time for dinner and a chance to watch a little TV or Netflix and catch up with the other volunteers on how their day was.
Please be aware though as you are in Africa, things might run at a slight slower pace than what you are used too.
Weekends are the perfect time to take in some day trips to visit Chobe national park in Botswana, visit the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe or see local Livingstone attractions.
Accommodation
The Healthcare volunteer accommodation is in a complex in the quiet residential suburb of Elaine Brittel in Livingstone just outside the main town centre. There is a security guard that keeps an eye on the complex. It is well situated allowing easy access to all the various project sites, shops and markets.
The volunteer house can accommodate up to 6 volunteers at one time with a kitchen, lounge, dining and several two bedrooms, a landing, one bathroom and a guest toilet shared with other volunteers.
Bedrooms are shared with two to three other volunteers of the same gender. Married couples can be accommodated as there are two double beds. Bed linen is provided. The bedrooms do lock and looking after your valuables is your responsibility. There is an electric fans for the summer in the lounge. There is a smart TV so if you have Netflix you can use it plus DSTV satellite channels if you do not. There is a dining room area too.
There is a cleaner once a week and if you do not want to use local laundromats or do your own handwashing, you can ask her to wash some of your clothes for a fee and there is a washing line to hang up washing.
The bathrooms are equipped with a western style toilets and a shower. Volunteers will need to bring their own towels and toiletries.
Food
Volunteers are provided with local basic food items to prepare their own meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner). This will be a mixture of bread, fruit, vegetables, starch, dairy and meat products. Vegetarians can be accommodated and vegans provided volunteers do not expect high end expensive products. Before you arrive, we will ask you for a list of your likes and dislikes. For imported or high-end items which do not fall in our grocery budget, volunteers can also purchase the local grocery stores like Spar and Shoprite.
The staple starch diet of Zambians is rice and nshima (white maize meal) so you can ask Theresa to show you how to prepare it- it is very popular with foreigners.
Location
Livingstone, Zambia is a vibrant and adventurous destination known as the gateway to the world-famous Victoria Falls—one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Nestled on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, Livingstone offers an unforgettable mix of natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and thrilling activities. From white-water rafting and bungee jumping to serene river cruises and wildlife safaris, there’s something for every traveller. The town also boasts museums, local markets, traditional villages, and warm, welcoming locals, making it the perfect place to experience both the wild heart of Africa and its deeply rooted traditions.
The people of Livingstone, Zambia are known for being warm, welcoming, and friendly. Hospitality is a strong part of the culture, and volunteers often comment on how open and helpful the locals are.
Livingstone has a strong sense of community spirit, with people generally respectful, polite, and proud of their town’s history and cultural significance. Whether you’re walking through the markets, visiting a rural village, or eating at a local restaurant, you’re likely to be greeted with a smile and genuine curiosity about where you’re from. Volunteers are often made to feel not just like tourists, but like guests. We also encourage our Healthcare volunteers to try some of the tradtional meals available at tradtional restaurants around the town.
Livingstone has something for everyone—nature, culture, adventure, and relaxation.
- Victoria Falls & Devil’s Pool: View the stunning Mosi-oa-Tunya Falls or swim at the edge in Devil’s Pool (seasonal).
- Adrenaline Activities: Try bungee jumping, gorge swing, zip line, or bridge slide from the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge.
- River Adventures: Go white-water rafting or riverboarding in Batoka Gorge with expert guides.
- Scenic Flights: Enjoy breathtaking aerial views on a microlight or helicopter “Flight of Angels.”
- Safari & Wildlife: track rhinos on foot, view elephants and more wildlife on safari drives in Mosi-oa-Tunya or visit Chobe National Park nearby.
- Wildlife Encounters: Dine at the Elephant Café, visit crocodile parks, or track rhinos on foot.
- Museums: Explore Zambia’s past at the Livingstone and Railway Museums.
- Cultural Immersion: Visit Maramba Market, dine local-style, enjoy traditional performances, or spend a week in Mukuni village for a real tribal experience.
- Zambezi Cruises: Relax on a sunset cruise with the Lady Livingstone or African Queen, or join the lively Lion King boat with music and drumming.
- Offbeat Fun: Horseback riding, quad biking, tiger fishing, or fine dining aboard the Royal Livingstone Express.
“My experience of volunteering in Livingstone, Zambia was absolutely amazing from start to finish. Right from my first communication with Sharon, she was really quick to reply and was flexible to my requests. I felt supported even before I began my experience which was really important to me. As soon as I arrived in Livingstone, I was met by the director of the NGO who then took me to the house and showed me around the town and where the clinic was. He collected me every morning to take me to the clinic and made sure I had everything I needed. He really couldn’t have done more for me. My role in the clinic was flexible but I had expressed an interest in the maternal and child health department. The midwives welcomed me with open arms and made me feel part of the team from day one. I think it was so special when they decided to give me a Zambian name to feel even more part of the team and the mothers thought it was hilarious! One mother even said that she would name her baby after me! My greatest achievement in life! I wasn’t sure what I would get to experience but I supported 6 mothers through labour and delivery and helped run antenatal and post-natal clinics. I learnt so much and felt very lucky to be allowed to be part of this environment. I would 100% recommend this experience to anyone! You will be well looked after by Sharon and the team in Livingstone”
– Lynsey Carrington, British (January 2026)
“I spent three weeks volunteering in a clinic in Livingstone, Zambia, and it was a very meaningful and eye-opening experience. The staff welcomed me warmly and supported me from the first day. I was able to assist with daily tasks, observe the work in the clinic, and learn a lot about healthcare in a different cultural and resource setting. Working in the clinic helped me understand new ways of teamwork, communication, and patient care. Even small contributions felt valuable, and I appreciated the chance to support the team whenever possible. The experience also helped me grow personally and become more confident in new situations. Livingstone is a lively and beautiful place, which made my stay even more enjoyable. I am grateful for everything I learned and for the people I met. I would definitely recommend this volunteering experience to others”
– Selina Caflisch, Swiss (October 2025)
– Dr Carolina Pereira, Portugese (October 2025)“It was an adventurous experience! I worked for three weeks with a friend in a Clinic in Livingstone. Every day we were able to experience something new and decide for ourselves which area of the clinic we would like to help with. All employees received a friendly welcome and were happy to share their work with us. We especially enjoyed working with the children, the grateful eyes touched us very much <3 It was a wonderful time and we take a lot with us into our everyday live. Thank you so much, we will never forget this time!”
– Anna Lea Janett, Swiss (October 2025)“Two incredible weeks have flown by here in Livingstone, Zambia. It was a journey of challenges, incredible experiences, and endless smiles.
Beyond the project, Livingstone offered true wonders: the magnificent Victoria Falls, the opportunity to connect with the roots in the Mukuni Village, a quick jump to Botswana for a top-tier safari. The distance and cultures differences are vast, but it quickly became clear that the essence of the human spirit is the same, no matter the latitude.
Huge thanks to International Volunteer International Adventures for this experience, and to Namo, who made our time here infinitely smoother and easier
I’m going with a heart full of gratitude for the incredible team, the lessons in resilience, and the smiles I’m taking with me. It has been an invaluable lesson in different ways of doing Medicine.
Zikomo! 🩺❤️”
For more information or to book, either fill in the contact form or please email info@volunteerinternationaladventures.com. You might also be interested in our HealthCare Experience in Zanzibar
