Frequently Asked Questions
- Why and how was NEPID established? NEPID was established to find the right mechanism to engage and mobilize these individuals who possess the necessary motivation, skills, and experience to help with the human resources need.
- What is the current focus of NEPID? NEPID is currently focusing on the HIV/AIDS crisis in Ethiopia by building sustainable capacity in HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment through volunteer-driven partnerships. The spread of HIV/AIDS is being tackled head-on through a rapid scale-up of ART drugs, but the Ethiopian health system lacks the infrastructure and resources to support it.
- How is the role of NEPID? NEPID, a project of Visions for Development, Inc., has formed a strategic alliance with the American International Health Alliance (AIHA) to identify and recruit highly qualified professionals who can help to scale up existing services and jumpstart new projects in support of Ethiopia’s national HIV/AIDS strategies. The HIV/AIDS Twinning Center was established in 2004 by AIHA and linked with NEPID shortly thereafter.
- How is the project funded? The Twinning Center is funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services. The project is also supported by the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), through the HHS Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
- What are the eligibility requirements for volunteers? Minimum eligibility requirements for volunteers are as follows:
- Must be at least 21 years of age
- Have a health-related professional skill identified in the focus country’s HIV strategic plan
- Have at least two years of professional experience
- Be of sound mental and physical health
- Have a strong desire to improve healthcare in developing and transitional countries
- Meet professional licensure and certification requirements, if applicable to the assignment
- Be willing to abide by the standards of conduct for VHC volunteers.
- How can volunteers apply for a position? Volunteers can apply through the NEPID website (nepid.org and or twinningagainstaids.org).
- What type of activities do volunteers take on in Ethiopia? Volunteer activities include:
- Enhancing or introducing new systems of care (e.g. case management; treatment, laboratory, pharmacy, and medical records systems; mobile and outreach services; communication systems, etc.)
- Developing curricula and other educational or training materials or helping to adapt imported models and techniques to the Ethiopian setting
- Training and mentoring of healthcare professionals
- Developing disease prevention and health promotion campaigns or strengthening primary research
- Community mobilization initiatives
- Scaling up or replicating successful care, treatment, and support programs
- How long do volunteer assignments usually last and what professions are needed? Most volunteer placements range in length from 3 months to 2 years and typically suit trained healthcare professionals – not just doctors and nurses, but also social workers, health educators and lab technicians.
- What is provided to volunteers? The following is provided to volunteers:
- Pre-assignment orientation and training
- Travel-related costs to and from the placement site
- Medical evacuation coverage
- Vaccinations & prophylactic treatments as required
- Monthly living allowance adequate to cover food and housing
- Ongoing support & technical assistance to enable the volunteer to serve effectively
- Ongoing communication with placement organization to ensure that volunteers are effectively utilizing their skills and knowledge
- Who should be contacted with additional questions? Interested individuals can contact: Dr. Tedla W. Giorgis @ 202.329.3008 or giorgistw@aol.com
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