First, get to know healthcare in Africa
GMC-Africa is an organization based at partner hospitals in Arusha, Tanzania. We run medical internships and volunteer placements for Japanese healthcare students and professionals, and provide ongoing medical support to the local community.
From 1 week
From a 1-week study tour
to 2 weeks, 4 weeks or longer
6 partner hospitals
Placement at hospitals in Arusha
matched to your profession and specialty
Run by local doctors
Local ICU and emergency physicians
host and supervise you
Housing & meals included
2 weeks from ¥112,000
incl. airport transfers and on-site support
The healthcare challenges Africa faces
A severe shortage of doctors
According to the WHO, Africa carries about 24% of the global burden of disease but has only about 3% of the world’s health workers.
Limited access to care
Access to basic health services is limited, and many people still die of diseases that could have been prevented.
Sustained support changes the future
With sustained support in people, knowledge and funding, local healthcare moves steadily forward. Your first step adds to that strength.
How you can get involved
Join our work on the ground, or support it from wherever you are. Both make a real difference to healthcare in Africa.
Doctors & medical students
Internal medicine, surgery, ER, ICU, pediatrics, NICU, anesthesiology and more. Tell us which specialty interests you.
Nurses & nursing students
Open to nursing students and nurses, and also to midwives and others. Just ask.
Other healthcare professionals
Physiotherapists, occupational therapists, social workers and other professionals are welcome to contact us at any time.
Become a supporter
Even if you can’t travel, you can support healthcare in Africa from ¥500 a month.
How to join
Because vaccinations and permits take time to arrange, we recommend contacting us 1–3 months before your preferred dates.
1
Free consultation
Use the inquiry form to tell us your preferred dates, length of stay and specialty.
2
Application
We confirm your plan and dates. Installment payments and support for students can be discussed individually.
3
Preparing to travel
GMC-Africa helps you with vaccinations, your visa and the permits required for healthcare workers.
4
On-site activities
Airport transfers, secure accommodation and support from our local manager are all included.
5
After you return
A certificate of completion, a debrief session and our alumni network help you build on the experience in your career.
Our team
GMC-Africa is run jointly by healthcare professionals from Japan and local doctors in Tanzania.
Naoya Sakai
Founder & Director (GMC-Africa / MedEqual Japan)
Pediatrician
Noel Godson Kivuyo
Co-Director
Intensive Care (ICU)
Vincent G. Mtenga
Co-Director
Emergency Medicine
Our work in practice
See real healthcare in Africa, what our interns do, our activities on the ground and everyday life during a stay, through photos and videos.
Activity reports
We publish activity reports, cases from local doctors and outreach stories on note (in Japanese), and day-to-day photos on Instagram, so you can picture what you would do on site.
Our partner hospitals
You will work at one of our six partner hospitals in Arusha. We assign you to a hospital that matches your profession and specialty.
Become a supporter
¥500 a month supports healthcare in Tanzania and the next generation of healthcare professionals who learn there.