As health Volunteer, you can make a difference by educating and assisting communities in taking more responsibility for their own health care. Not only will you make an immediate impact, you will also have the opportunity to develop programs that are sustainable, effecting the health and well being of the community you serve long after you are gone.
Peace Corps Volunteers are currently working on health projects providing maternal and child health services, nutrition and hygiene messages, organizational support at community clinics, and education about prevention of infections and vaccine-preventable diseases.
Volunteers also address the impact from the global pandemic of HIV/AIDS with programs that include training youth as peer educators, collaborating with community leaders to develop appropriate education strategies, and providing support to all those affected by the disease.
Peace Corps Volunteers serving in health programs generally have a bachelor's degree and experience in health-related activities or a degree in health education, nutrition, dietetics, or another health-related discipline. There are also those that have a master's degree in public health or are registered nurses, physician's assistants, counselors, and teachers. If your background and education has given you an understanding of the importance of health and a passion for helping others, now is the time to apply to be a Peace Corps Volunteer.