HVO volunteers build local capacity by providing health care professionals in resource-scarce countries with the knowledge, skills and abilities they need to address the health care needs of their communities. HVO volunteers are trained health care professionals – physicians, nurses, dentists, physical therapists and others – willing to donate their time and expertise to work side-by-side with their colleagues overseas.

Since 1986, HVO staff and volunteers have collaborated with a variety of health institutions to design, develop and implement each HVO project, working toward better patient care around the globe in trauma care, child and maternal health, essential surgical care, cancer care, rehabilitation, nursing and more.

Their goal at HVO is not only to train new health care providers, but also to encourage and sustain current health workers so that they can continue to practice in their home countries. Through professional collaboration and personal connection, HVO’s volunteers and supporters, along with the local health care providers they serve, build a global health community and work together to achieve the best health care possible for those who need it.

All of us have a role to play in improving global health by educating others and themselves about the vast, unmet health care needs, volunteering their time and expertise as health care providers and supporting those who work to make a difference in the lives of others. By harnessing the power of a vital human resource – health care providers – they believe that it is possible to break the vicious cycle of poverty and illness endemic to developing nations.

Mission Statement
Health Volunteers Overseas is dedicated to improving the availability and quality of health care through the education, training and professional development of the health workforce in resource-scarce countries.

Vision
HVO will be recognized as a global leader in the design and implementation of capacity-building projects that strengthen and empower the global health workforce.

Guiding Principles
HVO projects are staffed by highly qualified health care professionals who 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

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

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;
Projects will promote lifelong learning;
Whenever possible, projects 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 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.
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.