Health Volunteers Overseas (HVO) » MISSION, VISION AND VALUES

Mission Statement

Health Volunteers Overseas is a private non-profit organization dedicated to improving the availability and quality of health care in developing countries through the training and education of local health care providers.

Vision

HVO will be recognized as a global leader in the development and implementation of educational programs designed to empower health care providers in developing countries.

Guiding Principles

HVO programs will be staffed by highly qualified health care professionals who will demonstrate the highest standards of professional and personal conduct. Sensitivity and respect for the cultural and social beliefs and practices of the host country should guide professional and personal behavior.

Programs will vary according to the needs of the countries and the educational priorities identified. However, there are certain principles that apply across all programs:

# Training will focus on local diseases and health conditions;
# Practices, procedures and skills taught will be both relevant and realistic, and should include, when appropriate, a focus on prevention;
# Programs will promote lifelong learning;
# Whenever possible, programs will focus on training local personnel who will assume the roles of both educator and provider.

Volunteers are encouraged to make maximum use of locally available equipment and supplies in order to foster long-term sustainability. If donations of equipment, medications or other supplies are deemed essential to accomplish the educational goals of the project, these donations should be appropriate to the needs of the site and meet international donation standards as established by WHO or other similar organizations.

Core Values

Health Volunteers Overseas:

# Implements innovative, effective programs that meet the needs of the host country and institution, are sustainable and build local capacity.
# Recruits qualified, committed, culturally sensitive health care professionals as volunteers.
# Works in partnership with other organizations, host governments and institutions, and local health care professionals in a spirit of mutual respect and cooperation.
# Is dedicated to good stewardship and lifelong learning.