Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Africa
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The DRC is the third largest country in Africa and among the poorest in the world. Due to the extreme poverty, their medical needs are staggering. Our ministry there will specifically focus on surgery and health care training.
Consider these statistics:
- 70% of the population has no access to any type of health care, with only one trained physician per 10,000 people.
- The number of infant deaths (under one year old) per 1000 live births in the DRC is 79.63. In comparison, the infant mortality rate in the United States is 6.14.
- HIV/AIDS has reached epidemic proportions in the DRC, but only 2-3% of those who need antiretroviral therapy actually receive the treatment.
Our Mission
We are partnering with the United Methodist Church in the Kamina to:
- Strengthen their existing surgical program. Approximately 300 basic surgeries are performed in the clinic each year under general anesthesia, no oxygen, no EKG monitoring and limited surgical instruments.
- Educate university students in areas of general, pediatric and OB/GYN surgery. Many of these students will return to their home communities to improve access to health care.
- Address the causes of infant mortality
- Support the HIV/AIDS counseling and testing center.
How You Can Help
Go on a trip: We need medical professionals who are willing to share their knowledge and expertise with young, enthusiastic medical students and health care workers. If you would like to join a team to the DRC, you will need to attend team training and be certified in Safe and Sacred.
Financially support the HIV/AIDS program: The United Methodist Church in Kamina supports the only HIV center in the community. Send contributions to the Church of the Resurrection and designate: “DRC HIV/AIDS.” Your funds will provide testing supplies, treatment, and counselor support.
