WHAT TO DO NOW

1. Apply to the project using this application. The team leader of this medical mission will decide who will
ultimately be able to join the team, based on the needs of the team and each participant’s qualifications.

2. If you don’t already have an international Passport, get your application in immediately. Go to any Post Office and they will tell you what to do and where to go.

3. Visa requirements: Some countries require a Tourist or Visitors Visa in order to enter the country. Nigeria requires a visa to enter the country. IMO will assist you with that procedure 1 month before departure. You will NOT do that on your own.

4. If you are not able to afford the cost of the trip, start applying now for assistance to your Church’s outreach or missions committee and/or write letters describing the trip and asking friends, relatives, and your employer for support.

5. Once accepted to the team, start the process of getting your immunizations/shots as required by the World Health Organization. Ask your healthcare provider for direction regarding the immunizations and your health.

6. Emergency travel insurance, flight insurance, emergency evacuation insurance, and other coverage are at your discretion. You may obtain any of these insurances at your own expense.

WHAT TO PLAN ON PACKING FOR THE TRIP

1. In place of luggage you will carry up to two 50 lb mission packs filled with supplies and medicine. You can also bring one carry-on per airline regulations for your personal items. One 50 lb box per group (labeled for team use) is designated for team personal items.

2. Pack appropriate clothing for the weather. You should pack one set of clothes for trips to “the bush” (rural areas with bad roads, lots of dust, uneven walking surfaces). We suggest a lightweight long sleeve shirt, long pants, and hiking shoes, a hat or cap. The maximum body coverage serves two purposes (protection from sunburn and from insects). Even though it will be hot, we do not recommend wearing “flip-flops” or open
sandals in the bush (to avoid insects and manure-borne critters on the ground).

3. When we are in the city, we will be going to various events in Churches and people’s homes. For these events, you should have a set of clean business casual dress-type clothes. When you are invited for dinner to a person’s home, they will put out the very best food, and they will dress up to honor your presence. We show our hosts courtesy by respectful dress. Men: dress shirt, long pants, shoes or sandals. Women: a dress that covers the legs, upper arms, and chest.

4. It is a very good idea to bring a mosquito net with you. Found on Amazon (please ask IMO for suggestions) 1 person Popup Screen Tent. This will be for your use while in-country and then left behind and donated to IMO for future trips.

5. Meds: Missions often take place in very hot, dry, and dusty environments. If you have dry skin or dry eyes, be sure to bring extra skin lotion, eye drops, lip balm/gloss, and whatever else you use. Also, remember to bring a strong bug repellent. Also, remember to get your prescription filled for the anti-diarrhea medicine. At least one person usually needs this, and you will be very sorry if you need it and don’t have it. Don’t forget to bring and take your malaria prophylaxis pills beginning one week before we leave. If you have sensitive skin and need a special kind of soap or shampoo, please bring it. There are drug stores in the country, but the range of choices is nothing like what we are used to. If you have any respiratory problems (asthma or other) please be sure to bring your inhalers and all necessary medications with you.

6. Anti-bacterial hand-soap and sanitizer: You should carry a bottle of this with you in the bush. There is no soap of any kind in the bush villages, and there are no private restroom facilities available. You will be shaking hands and otherwise interacting with people who are in a very different germ environment from the one your body has adapted to, so you want to keep those new germs off of your hands and out of your digestive system.

7. Cameras and video recorders: As the saying goes, a picture is worth a thousand words, especially when sharing trip memories with others when you return home. Please observe cultural norms when taking pictures. Check with your trip leader before taking photographs of any area where patients are being seen or undergoing a procedure. Do NOT post any patient pictures to FaceBook or the internet.

8. Money: We advise leaving all unnecessary credit cards at home. You will want to take one card with you in case you need to stay at a hotel. Bring only newer $50 & $100 bills to exchange into local currency. There will be a chance to buy gift items in the country.

9. Granola bars: We will be very well fed while we are in our host country. However, if you have trouble with spicy food or exotic food, you may want to pack some granola bars or peanut butter and crackers, or tuna fish packs.

NON-MEDICAL STAFF ROLE

During the mission, medical professionals will be assisting with medical functions at the direction of the International Mission Opportunities (IMO) leaders. Non-medical people will be helping with record-keeping, logistics, welcome, prayer, and various other duties. The role of the non-medical people is to manage patients and non-medical patient-related tasks as efficiently as possible so that the medical people can focus their
time and energy on providing quality care to the patients.