WWW.NHFINC.ORG CONTENTS: Healthcare in Nigeria About NHF Our Mission The Benefits Making a Difference Qualifications Trip Information Apply! NIGERIA WEST AFRICA JULY 2018
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 HEALTHCARE IN NIGERIA 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. NHF JULY MISSION TRIP 3
TRIP INFORMATION INTERESTED IN JOINING THE JULY 2018 MISSION TEAM? MISSION TRIP DATES: JULY 6 JULY 22, 2018 Volunteers will be needed to travel to Nigeria for 2 weeks During Mid-Late July. July 6 July 22 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 Typhoid Yellow fever Meningococcus Polio Hepatitis B Rabies Measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) Tetanus-diphtheria Recommended for all travelers Recommended for all travelers Recommended for all travelers. Required for travelers arriving from a yellow-feverinfected area in Africa or the Americas. Recommended for all travelers One-time booster recommended for any adult traveler who completed the childhood series but never had polio vaccine as an adult For travelers who may have intimate contact with local residents, especially if visiting for more than 6 months For travelers who may have direct contact with animals and may not have access to medical care Two doses recommended for all travelers born after 1956, if not previously given 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. NHF JULY MISSION TRIP 5
FINANCIAL COMMITMENT & FUNDRAISING FUNDRAISING REQUIREMENTS 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 2018 Mission Team Gear 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 GOALS 25% Deposit: $750 To ensure your commitment and to secure your plane ticket, a deposit will be requested to reserve your spot once we confirm your attendance. 75% $1,125 raised and submitted by end of April 2018 100% Final $1,125 raised and submitted by end of June 2018 NOTE: NHF will work with all prospective attendees. 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 2018 MEDICAL MISSION APPLICATION Use link directly above to apply today! The application will close on May 11, 2018. NHF JULY MISSION TRIP 6
Nigerian Healthcare Foundation 17 Academy Street Newark, NJ 07102 s Web: www.nhfinc.org m Email: info@nhfinc.org O Phone: 973.792.1415 l Like us on Facebook