quote:

Originally posted by shotgun46:
I have carried a SCI blue bag filled with medical supplies as additional baggage. Check with your local hospitals for surplus supplies and out of date medical items . Ask your outfitter I am sure there is a clinic in need of medical supplies that would be put to good use.

quote:

Originally posted by joester:
There are many ways to offer aid, but most involve a LOT of pre-planning. I offered to volunteer at an orphanage clinic in Bulawayo but was told I'd need a pre-arranged work permit even to volunteer, and that without it, the people there could get into trouble! The reality is that graft/ bribe$ etc. are seemingly intrinsic , esp. in developing nations. So do your homework. There are some dentists on AR who have volunteered, pehaps one will weigh in or PM you.

An easy way to help is to bring stuff to donate. My wife & I have done this on all our African hunts, in four countries. We always take the biggest duffel bags we can get away with, IMHO, SCI blue bags are way too small. Last summer, we donated clothing & soccer balls in Zim. & Moz. Our PH hosts families were really helpful, and seeing the children ( and I don't even like kids!) was more fulfilling than shooting my cape buffalo. Shoes are especially needed ( crocs are great, we buy 'em at charity thrift stores throughout the year, a win-win) b/c of rampant parasitic infections p/u via bare feet. Some of the kids who got shoes had never worn or owned shoes, and these were older kids.

One other issue is airport duties... In Joburg we always went unhassled (4x) through the " No Declarations" customs area. In Bulawayo, Windhoek, Harare they'll expect duties , even on obvously used kids clothes. The fees are small, maybe $10-$20, so expect to pay something.
Wish you all the best, curious to see where this thread goes...

quote:

Originally posted by Jerry Huffaker:
We have a group from here that do a three week medical mission in Zambia every year. They treat over 15,000 people every year. There are several hunters in this group and some go on hunts elsewhere after the work is done. I can put you in contact with them if you like.

quote:

Originally posted by joester:
Matt, You may want to contact Pete Fisher of Nchila Wildlife Reserve in Zambia. He is a PH as well as a missionary and I read a hunt report from a hunter whose wife & daughter assisted in surgery at a hospital that Pete helps sponsor. Google him, Cheers!