What to Bring

Do I need a Passport?
What should I bring?
Luggage
Gifts
Medications and Surgical Supplies
Community and Church

Do I need a Passport?
Yes! If you don't have one it is important to allow for processing time by the Government and to apply early! You can find important information about passport applications at www.travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

It is important to make photocopies of the passport picture page and credit cards you may be bringing. Place the photocopies in your luggage and leave a copy with your family, along with a copy of your travel itinerary. A belt bag or fanny pack will keep important documents secure as you travel.

What should I bring?
Make a list of basics: sunglasses, hat, routine prescriptions, mosquito repellant, extra towels, sun block, hand sanitizers, alcohol based waterless hand cleanser, swimsuit, comfortable shoes…etc.

Easily washable clothing is best. NO flashy jewelry.

Perfumed toiletries attract insects.

Medical supplies will be carried by participants to specific projects or shipped (as the donor's tax deductible expense) to our warehouse.

Luggage
Plan to pack in one suitcase and carry supplies in one suitcase. Just in case, place essentials in your carry-on bag.

Gifts
You may want to give little gifts to the people you will be working with. Things like toothpaste, pens, key chains, stickers, crayons or small shampoos will be appreciated.

Clothes, sheets, shoes and left over toiletries can be donated through local churches at the end of the trip, to leave suitcase space for some souvenirs.

Medications and Surgical Supplies
The rules for bringing medications and supplies into the country change frequently. Please check with the IMA home office or your project medical director before making plans. You must prepare a list of all supplies that you are bringing and send this to IMA one month before the project.

Please do not pack medications in plastic bags, as they may be crushed.

For medications: carry a list of the drug names, the manufacturers, the expiration dates and the number of containers.

• Vitamins and iron - adult, pediatric and prenatal
• Analgesics - ASA, Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, NSAIDS and muscle relaxants
• Antacids and Antiflatulants - Mylanta, Maalox, Digel, Zantac and Pepcid
• Antibiotics - Penicillin, Ampicillin, Erythromycin, Tetracycline, TMX/Sulfa, Cipro, Metronidazole, and antibiotic ointments
• Antifungals - Loprox, Lotrimin, Nystatin, Monistat 3, Tinactin, and Nizoral
• Antinausea - Dramamine, Meclizine and Gravol
• Antispasmodics - Donnatal, etc.
• Asthma - Any asthma preparations
• Cardiovascular - Hydroclorothiazide, Aldomet, and ACE inhibitors
• Cold and Cough - Dimetapp, Robitussin, Nyquil and etc.
• Diarrhea - Lomotil, Imodium, Pepto-Bismol and Kaopectate
• Ears - Antibiotics, analgesics and wax softeners
• Gynecological - Monostat, Flagyl and vaginal ointments
• Laxatives - Stool softeners, ointments and hemorrhoid suppositories and fiber supplements
• Skin - Topical creams and ointments and Kwell
• Urinary - Bactrim, Septra and Macrodantin

The pharmacy will also need dispensing envelopes, clean medicine containers, small plastic bags, rubber bands, marking pens, labels, and lunch-sized paper bags.

We will need caps, boots, scrubs, masks, gowns and sterile gloves. We will also need drapes, sponges, prep sets, disposables and tape.

We can re-sterilize suture packets and procedure trays.

The food and water we provide will be clean and safe. Wash your hands with soap often. Carry an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Community and Church
If possible, collect vitamins, ointments and over-the-counter medication through your local clubs and churches.