HIV/AIDS Project

Project Summary

IFRE collaborates with a number of already-existing health clinics, non-profit organizations and government agencies addressing the issue of HIV/AIDS. The organization – primarily working in a number of major cities ( Quito, Guayaquil, Esmeraldas, Quevedo, Santo Domingo and Portoviejo) – focus on creating and facilitating HIV/AIDS awareness information to the citizens and sex workers of Ecuador.

This program provides technical support (both programmatic and organizational) to local implementing partners, support the mobilization of key populations, advocate for HIV prevention issues to be considered by local and national decision-makers, and also create public awareness about sexually transmitted infection, and voluntarily offer counseling and testing services for key populations. Volunteers participating in this HIV/AIDS Project mostly contribute to create public awareness and continue the ongoing program.

Skills/Qualifications

No specific qualifications are required of volunteers wishing to participate in the HIV/AIDS volunteer project in Ecuador . However, volunteers should have a focused interest and passion for public community outreach and other healthcare-related activities. Spanish is not required but preferred. IFRE also offer free Spanish training to volunteers in all locations (except Galapagos). Volunteers are expected to be flexible as these particular project's foundations are based in public outreach; therefore, daily schedules are seldom fixed and can be routinely altered.

Volunteers' Responsibilities

As a volunteer in the HIV/AIDS project in Ecuador , volunteers can assist in developing sexual health education campaigns, promote prevention programs and training seminars for groups such as common healthcare professionals and sex trade workers. In addition, you can assist in the medical and psychological attention and antiretroviral therapy programs. There are also opportunities to provide comfort and support directly to patients, their families and the community. Volunteers may also be required to make routine visits to hospices and other medical facilities – providing an in-depth perspective into the debilitating affects of this disease.

Room/Food

IFRE manages living accommodations and meals within host families throughout Ecuador for the entire duration of the volunteer program. Host families are all carefully screened, well-educated and have experience with host international volunteers. IFRE arranges clean, simply-furnished, private (occasionally shared with fellow volunteers) rooms in nearby host families. Volunteers are suggested to bring a sleeping bag and their own bed sheets. Volunteers will receive three (3) local meals each day (occasionally, if volunteers are away from their host families during lunch, they may required to pack their own ‘to go' lunches).