My trip to Dar Es Salaam_Tanzania
Rebecca Marsden (Nursing)

From the day I arrived at the airport everyone I met was really friendly and wanted to make us feel at home, Karibu (meaning your welcome is a term widely used). The "Work the World" house was inviting, the food was amazing and I felt like I settled in right away.

It was Monday morning, I was about to begin a 2 week placement on the Orthopaedic/Neuro surgery ward at Muhimbili National Hospital. I was slightly nervous, wasn't sure what model of care they would use and kept thinking, what equipment will be available??

Walking onto the ward people were laid on mattresses on the floor, during wound dressing I saw wounds bigger than I had ever seen before, but... once the second day came round and I had gained a better understanding of the daily care delivery and what was expected I was able to relax and start to focus on the patients. 90% of the patients had been involved in Road Traffic Accident and had sustained injuries such as open fractures, skin and tendon lacerations and traumatic brain injury. The staff I worked with were happy to let me be hands on, making me feel like part of the team and the rest of week flew by. I also had the opportunity to observe in theatre.

I took part in the village experience, which allowed me to work at a second hospital that was not as large as Muhimbili district. I was able to observe a dental and diabetic clinic, spend time in the maternity department where I delivered a baby and work along side the local doctors in their morning surgery. It is difficult to express the differences between a developing world health service and the one I am used to. I am able to tell you what I observed but to get the real feel you need to be there. 

Whilst on the village experience I also visited a spice farm, went to a local natural aquarium, visited the amazing beaches and learnt lots about African culture and lifestyle whilst living with the family and that was all in 1 week!

If you're lucky enough to be there at the right time there is also a full moon party in Zanzibar at Kendwa rocks, it's a party to celebrate the full moon, on the beach with a BBQ and lots of dancing. You can stay up round the campfire and watch the sun set and then rise again. 

When in Dar, the social activities can be whatever you make them, I went to some of the local bars after the fantastic BBQ we had on Thursdays, caught a boat to Bongoyo island (which is like paradise), went on a 3day Safari to Mikumi National Park, visited the local shopping areas such as Slipway and often just relaxed by the pool. 

It was an experience that I will never forget, I would like to thank everyone who made it so amazing and urge anyone reading this, who is hesitant to forget about any worries and go for it, you won't regret it!!