VOSH-NORTHWEST recognized as CHAPTER OF THE MONTH for APRIL 2018
April 12, 2018
The amazing activity of VOSH chapters throughout the world is chronicled further by VOSH-Northwest. Superlative in its
Read MoreApril 12, 2018
The amazing activity of VOSH chapters throughout the world is chronicled further by VOSH-Northwest. Superlative in its
Read MoreMarch 11, 2018
https://globenewswire.com/news-release/2018/03/08/1418316/0/en/Blindness-is-a-Women-s-Issue.html See also August 2017 paper which notes that there were 253 million people with visual impairment—and a
Read MoreMarch 10, 2018
VOSH-MINNESOTA COMPLETES 100TH MISSION VOSH-Minnesota hit the century mark in missions as reported by long time chapter
Read MoreMarch 10, 2018
The amazing VOSH-India, led by the dynamic and marvelous dedication of Chapter President Yogita Rajgandhi, is the
Read MoreFebruary 13, 2018
VOSH- CO is looking for volunteers for a mission trip to Taksindu, Nepal November 4-13, 2018. They
Read MoreUpdated COVID-19 and VOSH Humanitarian Clinics Advice
VOSH/International recently consulted its US and International Chapters about the feasibility and timing to restart our humanitarian clinics. While the vaccination process continues with different levels of success depending on availability and acceptance, it is evident that vaccine inequity and the availability and reliability of data in several countries are issues we need to consider.
Even if already vaccinated and boosted, our chapters are still concerned about the wellbeing of our volunteers and patients. Some chapters, are organizing clinics locally where they are better able to comply with the existing safety requirements and respective state/country regulations.
The COVID-19 pandemic and its variants are being experienced quite differently depending on state, region, country, vaccine availability, vaccine acceptance, and the spread of SARS-COV-2 variants. Most VOSH chapters are not holding clinics or traveling internationally in 2021 or 2022.
If a VOSH Chapter choses to hold a clinic or travel internationally, we highly recommend that the chapter performs due diligence to comply fully with the requirements established by the visited country, ensures all VOSH volunteers are aware of and follow strict safety guidelines and all existing protocols and regulations of the country, and keeps the principle of “do no harm” embedded in all its decision making. As always, the wellbeing and safety for VOSH volunteers and our patients is of utmost importance and central to any decision-making process. We have published our updated clinic guidelines with best practices to be observed in this new context. VOSH chapters in specific countries are using protocols that need to be considered as well. You can download VOSH/International clinic guidelines here.
*VOSH/International is formed by autonomous US and international chapters that are fully and only responsible for their activities, fundraising and decision-making. VOSH/International can only provide recommendations based on our best knowledge and information at the time.
Also please keep checking the following sites with official and most recent updates:
World Health Organization: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019
US CDC: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/travelers/when-to-delay-travel.html
US Government Travel Advise: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/traveladvisories/COVID-19-Country-Specific-Information.html
Thank you for your hard work and dedication to improving vision and eye health throughout the world.
Michael Ciszek, OD, dipl ABO, FVI
President, VOSH/International
December 2021