Before going on a mission, everyone must get all the necessary shots and take anti-malaria pills. Even so, if you happen to be on a medical mission you will get sick from seeing so many people who are sick. Also realize the very poor sanitary conditions compared to those in the United States or Canada. Of course anytime one travels abroad to any third world country they need to catch up on their shots. One organization that frequently travels to Honduras recommends that you check with your doctor to see that your immunizations are up to date at least four weeks prior to your departure to Honduras. Here is a partial list that the use;
Hepatitis A and B Vaccines (B may take six months to complete)
Influenza Shots if in season
DT Booster (vaccines against Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Pertussis)
Oral Polio Booster
Typhoid
Malaria Prevention, Chloroquine 500 mg
Prophylaxis with Aralen Tablets (take once per week in country)
The Hepatitis A vaccine is good for 5 years and after the second vaccine for 20 years. Hepatitis B after third vaccine not needed again. DT is good for 10 years. Typhoid oral is generally good for 5 years. An Influenza shot is a one year protection.
Of course you must have a passport and you need to consider other essentials you will need. When you land in the capital city you will need some money even if your group has accommodations already figured out. Money for food and souvenirs is important and if you are not a shop-tell-you-drop type you can get by with $40-50. Once in rural Honduras there are no restaurants or gift shops! Are there ATMs? Yes a few in the larger cities, but the exchange rates are not too good. You must remember you are going to a "Third World" Country. Perhaps you might read this page; http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/1922.htm#travel
What else should you bring?Well here are the recommendations from Austin Diocese Medical Mission Volunteers;
A Fanny Pack - to carry personal items in the field
A Roll of Toilet Paper and Handy Wipes
Sun Screen and Chap stick
Personal Medicines - labeled prescriptions and over the counter medicines only
Towels, Bed Sheets, Shower Thongs, Soap, Shampoo
Water Drinking Bottle - Your group should be able to fill this up with fresh safe water
Insect Repellant
Hat or Cap
Flashlight - shake-able or extra batteries
Rain Gear - plastic poncho type works well
Camera and Film - *see below
Light Jacket
Layered Type Clothes, Jump Suits, Jeans, T-Shirts (shorts are not typical)
More Formal Clothes if with a religious group for church services
*Digital camera batteries run out and thus you will need an additional battery pack to use between charging opportunities. Honduras uses the same types of plugs, as the US where electricity is available.
Most volunteers want to know if they have to be able to speak Spanish. Well it certainly helps although many volunteers go with only some Spanish Speaking skills, yet by the time they return they can have improved greatly. It is often suggested that if you plan on going to buy some tapes or a CD Rom Spanish Lessons for your car and listen to them and practice up on your conversational Spanish prior to your departure date for your volunteer mission. Nathalie told us;
"I was also concerned about not being able to speak and understand Spanish having taken only a few classes. I did ask not to get an interpreter. Total immersion is the best way to learn and Dr Rudy was always there to help me in case of complicated situations and to give me a second opinion. These missions also helped me learn Spanish. On the first morning of the mission, Francisco a friend asked me how many languages I spoke. I said two and a half. By the end of the day, I told Francisco; ask me how many languages I speak? Two and three quarters!!"
One very important thing you will need is your passport to get back to the US and/or identification papers to get into Honduras.