Health Volunteers Overseas is a private non-profit organization dedicated to improving the availability and quality of health care in developing countries through the training and education of local health care providers.
HVO programs are staffed by highly qualified health care professionals who demonstrate the highest standards of professional and personal conduct. Programs vary according to the needs of the countries and the educational priorities identified. However, there are certain principles that apply across all programs:
* Training focuses on local diseases and health conditions
* Practices, procedures and skills taught are both relevant and realistic, and include, when appropriate, a focus on prevention
* Programs promote lifelong learning
* Whenever possible, programs focus on training local personnel who assume the roles of both educator and provider.
Volunteers are encouraged to make maximum use of locally available equipment and supplies in order to foster long-term sustainability. If donations of equipment, medications or other supplies are deemed essential to accomplish the educational goals of the project, these donations should be appropriate to the needs of the site and meet international donation standards as established by WHO or other similar organizations.
Core Values
Health Volunteers Overseas:
* Implements innovative, effective programs that meet the needs of the host country and institution, are sustainable and build local capacity.
* Recruits qualified, committed, culturally sensitive health care professionals as volunteers.
* Works in partnership with other organizations, host governments and institutions, and local health care professionals in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation.
* Is dedicated to good stewardship and lifelong learning.
For more information about HVO, please visit the organization website.
