March, 2025

Dear Friends,

We are continuing to see the impacts of the U.S. withdrawal from the World Health Organization and the dissolution of USAID, and already our international partners face growing challenges. Many have shared that these changes have had negative consequences for their communities. While we cannot reverse these decisions, we can take action—by sending more volunteers, expanding programs, providing scholarships, and connecting partners with critical resources.

That’s why I am excited to share that HVO is launching two new rehabilitation projects in Haiti and Belize and a new orthopaedic project in Paraguay. These initiatives will strengthen local health systems and provide essential care where it is needed most. You can find more details about these projects below.

Unlike many organizations, HVO does not rely on federal funding. Instead, we rely on the dedication and generosity of donors like you. Every gift you make has a direct impact — supporting health care professionals, expanding access to care, and building resilience in communities facing uncertainty. With your support, we are ready to open more projects in response to requests and growing need in several other countries.

Your collaboration is more important than ever. Together, we can continue to bridge gaps in care and create lasting change.

Sincerely,

April

April Pinner, MSPH, RD

Executive Director

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Wyss Scholarship Applications Now OPEN

The Wyss Scholarship for Leaders in Global Health allows HVO to support the professional development of local health care providers at HVO project sites. Recipients are awarded funding to defray the costs of attending training opportunities both regionally and internationally. Applications are reviewed three times a year. The next deadline is May 1, 2025. Click here for more information.

Join HVO at the American College of Physicians (ACP)

2025 Internal Medicine Meeting

Attending the American College of Physicians (ACP) Internal Medicine meeting in New Orleans between April 3-5, 2025? Join HVO at booth 1920 to share with us your HVO experience and to learn more about current recruitment opportunities around the world!

New Projects Announcement

Orthopaedics, Paraguay

Volunteers will work to increase the knowledge and skills of orthopaedic residents and attending orthopaedists by providing lectures, rounds, and hands-on surgical training and mentorship at Hospital de Clinicas and Hospital Nacional. The two hospitals are about one hour apart and volunteers are encouraged to participate at both. More information is available here.

Rehabilitation, Belize

The project will improve the knowledge and skills of the current cohort of physical therapists, medical providers, and medical students through the delivery of informal continuing education. Volunteers may be asked to provide didactic lectures, clinical instructions, and demonstration workshops in Belize or online. More information is available here.

Rehabilitation, Haiti

The project will be conducted online and will seek to enhance the capacity of the Department of the Sciences of Rehabilitation of Léogâne (FSRL) to educate and train physical therapists and occupational therapists. Volunteers might serve as instructors for courses for the bachelors’ PT and OT programs, mentors for FSRL staff through co-teaching, and providers of faculty development opportunities. More information is available here.

Volunteer Opportunities

Mental Health, Bhutan is recruiting in-person volunteers licensed in psychiatry, psychology, psychotherapy, or clinical social work with more than five years of professional experience to assist with training related to, but not limited to, community-based mental health care, substance abuse rehabilitation, hospital-based psychiatric care, cross-cultural psychology, child and family mental health, and interdisciplinary clinical practice. Interested volunteers should contact Lauren Franklin for more information.

Nursing Education, Laos is recruiting wound care nurses with burn treatment experience for in-person placements. Interested volunteers should contact Emily Dalton.

Nursing Education, Thai Nguyen, Vietnam is recruiting nurse educators with expertise in clinical simulation training as well as oncology/palliative care for a training scheduled for October 2025. Assignments are in-person. Interested volunteers should contact Emily Dalton.

Oncology, Bhutan is recruiting physicians or nurse practitioners specializing in medical oncology or pediatric palliative care, as well as pharmacists with expertise in chemotherapy, to complete both virtual and in-person assignments. In-person placements are a minimum of one month. Volunteers assist local teams with program development and mentorship. 

Interested volunteers should contact Lauren Franklin for more information.

Oncology, Honduras is recruiting in-person volunteers with experience in surgical or gynecologic oncology to provide teaching and training. Interested volunteers should contact Lauren Franklin for more information.

Oral Health, Dhulikhel, Nepal is recruiting in-person and virtual volunteers to support training across specialties. Interested volunteers should contact Lauren Franklin for more information.