VetPartners offers fully funded volunteering trip to Malawi to help fight against rabies

VETPARTNERS and MSD Animal Health have joined forces to help protect communities and animals in Malawi through a massive rabies vaccination programme.

Together, we are taking on the challenge to vaccinate more than 5,000 dogs in and around Malawi – and we need your help.

We’re excited to open applications for VetPartners vets and nurses in Ireland, the UK and Europe to participate in a fully funded charity initiative supporting rabies elimination, including four days of rabies vaccination clinics and a trip to Majete Wildlife Park, taking place July 4^th to 12^th this year. 

There are 10 places available, and we are asking that anyone who has an interest in attending completes the expression of interest form at the link below, alongside a personal statement of no longer than 500 words explaining:

1. What your motivation is to undertake the charitable work

2. How this experience will benefit your professional development

3. How you intend to share your experience with others.

   
   

Please email the completed form and personal statement by the end of Sunday 1^st March to givingback@vetpartners.co.uk. 

Link to the form: https://www.myvetpartners.co.uk/terms-and-conditions

The VetPartners charity grant panel will review the applications based on the criteria above.

The draft itinerary for the veterinary service trip is as follows:

Saturday 4^th July: All arrivals in Malawi (preference Blantyre Airport)

Sunday 5^th July: Ground transfer to Lake Malawi

Monday 6^th July - Thursday 9^th July: RABIES VACCINATION CLINCS

Friday 10^th July: Ground transfer to Majete Wildlife Park

Sunday 12^th July: All departures from Malawi (preference Blantyre Airport)

VetPartners will cover flights, travel vaccinations and medications, visa, and travel insurance, plus all ‘in-country’ costs, from the arrival in Blantyre airport to the departure (local transport, accommodation, full board, and non-alcoholic drinks).

Mission Rabies will provide detailed advice on how to prepare for your trip, and support throughout your time in Malawi.

Participants will need to use their annual leave and volunteering leave to cover any time off work required.

We are looking forward to receiving your applications. If you have any questions, please contact givingback@vetpartners.co.uk.

Eligibility criteria

This opportunity is open to vets and veterinary nurses who meet the following criteria:

1. Have completed a minimum of 6 months continuous service prior to the date of

application and not currently participating on any VetPartners Graduate Programme

2. Hold M/FRCVS, MVB, RVN or equivalent status

3. Have authorisation from practice leadership (typically practice manager and/or

clinical director)

4. Permanent contract of employment (full or part-time)

5. Expecting to continue their employment with VetPartners for a minimum period of 12 months following completion of the charity experience

Article by Amanda Little, VetPartners PR and Communications Director. Email amanda.little@vetpartners.co.uk