Upon arrival in Ghana, you will be picked up from the airport in Accra (Kotoka International Airport) and brought to our accommodation, here you will be welcomed by our core staff and get the chance to meet the rest of the volunteers. Spend the evening recuperating and getting to know your fellow team members!

The following day we you will get a full briefing on what to expect from the next 2 weeks and training on our data collection app. Using the App, you will help to collect data on every dog vaccinated to ensure we reach our target coverage, and to obtain further data about the dog population that will help ensure Mission Rabies have a sustainable impact in the area.

Throughout our time in Ghana, we will be working hard to ensure we reach 70% of the local dog population - the working days are therefore long and the climate can make them tiring. However, though the work can be physically demanding it is very rewarding, you will end each day knowing you contributed to eliminating this deadly disease!

In the evenings, you will have time to catch up with the rest of the group and exchange stories about the people and dogs you have met that day - all whilst enjoying delicious local, vegetarian dishes!

Of course, we do want you to be as prepared as possible, so we would like to highlight some of the more challenging parts of volunteering here:

Transport and Accommodation

The standard of the roads, vehicles and driving in Ghana may be less than you are used to. We conduct vehicle safety and driver checks for all the vehicles we use but this is something you should be aware of. The accommodation, although not luxurious, is clean, comfortable and safe and our previous volunteers have been very happy there.

Physical work and early starts

It is worth noting again that in order to reach 70% coverage of a dog population, we have to work very hard! A typical day will start at 5 or 6 am to get into the field to start work at 7am. The working days are long, and the hot and humid climate can make them very tiring. We will make sure that you have plenty of fresh, clean, safe water throughout the day. Remember to pack high factor sun cream and a hat.

You will always be working in teams, going from door-to-door or setting up static point vaccination clinics. All teams are equally important to help us reach the minimum vaccination coverage necessary to ensure that rabies will be eliminated from the project areas.You must be comfortable walking at least 15 km a day over rough hilly terrain and in hot sunny weather.  You should make sure you come prepared for walking over such terrain so sturdy walking shoes are highly recommended.

Emotional stress

There is a chance that you will witness suffering, be it human or animal, while on this project. You cannot know how you will react to seeing a dog suffering from a terrible case of mange or with a fractured leg, seeing people in need or finding a personal bond had been shattered by illness. It may simply be alarming to see dogs who lived chained outside, or are handled roughly. It is perfectly normal to feel a range of emotions in response to this. We can help support you and ensure that all the hard work you put into this project makes a long and lasting change to the lives of people and animals you meet.

Sharing Rooms

To ensure we can get as many volunteers in the field as possible and keep the in-country costs low for you, you will be sharing a room with another volunteer of the same sex. If you specifically request to have a single room this may be arranged, however it will be at an extra cost. In addition if you are volunteering with a friend we can accommodate this, so please mention this upon application.

Food

As an animal welfare project, the food provided whilst working with us will be vegetarian meals. Specific allergies can be discussed with our team - please do mention them upon your application.

In order to participate with Mission Rabies, we require proof of rabies vaccination within the past two years or proof of adequate titre within the last three months. Proof of current tetanus vaccination is also required. A proof of yellow fever vaccination will also be required for entry into Ghana. Regarding other vaccines, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have contacted a medical professional and/or travel clinic at least 6-8weeks before the date of the project. You must ensure you have all the necessary vaccinations and that you get any boosters in sufficient time.

Vaccine requirements

In order to participate with Mission Rabies, we require proof of rabies vaccination within the past two years or proof of adequate titre within the last three months. Proof of current tetanus vaccination is also required. A proof of yellow fever vaccination will also be required for entry into Ghana. Regarding other vaccines, it is your responsibility to ensure that you have contacted a medical professional and/or travel clinic at least 6-8weeks before the date of the project. You must ensure you have all the necessary vaccinations and that you get any boosters in sufficient time.

Please also inform us of any medical conditions you have, or in case you have any questions about your ability to participate, so that we are aware and can discuss these with you and can then make any necessary provisions.

The NHS has a helpful website for travelling, that can provide you with advice but this should only be used in conjunction with, and not instead of seeking medical advice from your medical practitioner/local travel clinic.

Malaria

All regions in Ghana, throughout the year, are high risk Malaria areas. Make sure to ask your GP about precautionary options for your stay in Ghana. We advise you pack mosquito repellent and wear long sleeves and trousers to reduce the chance of insect bites.

Dengue Fever

Dengue Fever which is also transmitted by mosquitos is a risk, therefore taking precautions is essential since there is no treatment available. Ask your physician/ travel clinic about appropriate repellents.

Zika Virus

Ghana is listed as being an area at risk of Zika virus on the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) website. Please follow the advice on their website and discuss this with your doctor when considering participating in this project. 

Dog Bite Protocols
Mission Rabies takes dog bites and potential rabies exposure very seriously. We follow strict protocol in line with the latest WHO recommendations in the case of dog bites. Post-exposure prophylaxis is readily available in India so injections can be obtained if they are needed. You will be briefed before you travel and in-country on our procedures for your own protection and there will always be a member of Mission Rabies staff to help.

Food and Water Safety

There is always the risk of ‘traveller’s diarrhoea’ when you travel due to different food and water. We recommend you only drink bottled or purified water and eat from reputable restaurants. With regard to food, we will provide clean, safe vegetarian food for each of your meals. Many people have said that steering clear of meat will go a long way in preventing illness; anecdotally this does appear to have been true for many of our previous volunteers. We recommend consulting your physician to discuss treatments that you can bring along and signs and symptoms to look out for when travelling. While you are welcome to purchase alcoholic beverages when available at the hotel/restaurant, costs for these will not be covered by Mission Rabies.

Do bring:

• Practical / comfortable clothes to work in
• Wet weather gear and warm clothing for the evenings
• Towel
• Sunscreen
• Bug spray
• Toiletries
• Prescriptions & over-the-counter medication (eg. Imodium, Paracetemol etc)

Upon arrival in Ghana, you will be picked up from the airport in Accra (Kotoka International Airport) and brought to our accommodation.

Mission Rabies is well aware of the fact that travelling to Africa can be an overwhelming experience, even for seasoned travellers and we want your volunteer experience here to be as rewarding and comfortable as possible. Integral to that idea is the Volunteer Coordinator (VC). The VC will be a Mission Rabies employee or former volunteer with field experience in India or Malawi. The VC will be your primary point of communication in Ghana and will be identified to you upon your arrival so that you can ask him or her questions and have a point of contact for any problems. The VC will be on the ground working with the teams, they'll help you get to grips with the tasks and activities of the project and will be available if you have any questions, concerns, or particular needs throughout your time in Ghana.