Citizen Diplomacy Opportunity: To Mali with Medicine for Mali
Anyone in the medical community interested in participating in a medical trip to Mali? Please view the details below to see if you are interested in going!
Hello everyone,
It is time to start planning our 2011 medical trip for Medicine for Mali in Mali, West Africa. Last year was another awesome experience. We took a large group and split into two teams. Well of course we were able to see more people, but it was a mental strain for the administrative team. Thus, we are taking a small team of 8-12 medical people. For the medical team we will take 3-4 PA and DO students, and then any other individuals with medical experience: doctors, nurses, mid level providers, EMT/paramedics, CMAs.... The slots are starting to fill up already!!
The dates for the 2011 trip are February 12-26th, 2011. This is an annual trip and I foresee it being in February each year. If you are a planner and need more than 7-8 months to plan, I can start the 2012 list also!
To commit to this trip it will cost approximately $3500-$4000+:
1. **~$2000 airfare ( we have paid 1750 to 2300 in the past)
2. ** $ 550-$750 for supportive fees: transportation in Mali, food, cooks, laundry, translators, hotel 1st and last night, extra luggage fees
3. ~$150 VISA—applied for after tickets are purchased
4. ~$150 for passport
5. ~ $200-500 for immunizations and malaria prophylaxis and up to date with others
6. ~$300 cash to take for souvenirs and food/meals for the first and last day in Bamako and at airports
7. Optional self standing bug net~ $90 and mattress pad ~$90.
8. $?? For other helpful supplies to make the "bush life" easier
9. Sorry... there are No safaris in this part of Africa
(** = actual costs will be determined at time of ticket purchase)
Medicine for Mali is looking for hard working, caring and dedicated individuals. We work hard in the clinic for ~9-10 days, with a day off for market and hopefully some time to explore the village of Nana Kenieba and Siby. We carry in our own medical supplies using the allotted 100 pounds per person. Each person carries their own personal luggage with them on the plane as carry-on luggage. Once we leave Bamako for Nana Kenieba , we do sleep in a building with a roof and a floor. Dorm style accommodations with a small bed /mattress. There are a couple of bathrooms with toilets( and many without) and a couple of showers, there is usually running water but the water may be gone by the end of the day ( some days are bucket baths). Electricity-- capability is there but not guaranteed. January and February are the cooler of the dry months in Mali, usually high 80's low 90's and cooler at night (60's). We bring a cook with us from Bamako. The variety/choices may not be what one is used to but the food is very good.
Medicine for Mali will need $ 500.00 by September 1, to solidify your position if you truly what to experience this opportunity. And then the balance of the ticket cost will be due by October 1, 2010. Usually, Medicine for Mali purchases the fight tickets as a group leaving from Des Moines. The final balance will be due by January 1.
This part of Mali is very safe. Please consider join us for this next trip or in the near future.
Please feel free to call or e-mail me with any questions you may have.
Laura Delaney PA-C
Clinical Coordinator PA Program
O)515-271-1060 C) 515-238-1229
Posted Monday, July 12, 2010