Health Volunteers Overseas Information

HVO envisions a world where all people have access to expert health care delivered by local health professionals. To realize this vision, HVO invests in equitable, two-way and sustainable partnerships with over 75 health institutions world-wide to address the health work force shortage. HVO is dedicated to improving the availability and quality of health care through the education, training and professional development of the health workforce in resource-scarce countries. The goal is not only to train new health care professionals, but also to encourage and to sustain professionals so that they can continue to practice in their home countries where their skills are most urgently needed. HVO accomplishes its mission by sending highly qualified health care professionals on short-term volunteer assignments; offering scholarships for local health professionals to attend regional or international conferences or workshops; providing fellowships to support focused, longer term volunteer placements; and delivering remote e-learning and mentorship. HVO invested in scaling its e-learning capacities in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and envisions e-learning as an integral part of its programming going forward. HVO volunteers provide clinical and/or didactic teaching and mentorship, collaborate on curriculum design, influence national health policy, and promote realistic health interventions using locally available resources and technology. HVO has been committed to accountability and ethical practices throughout our 30+ year history, recognized by our inclusion in the Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance and Platinum Status on GuideStar.