Christian Medical Missions Africa

What Are Some Christian Medical Missions in Africa?

There are many organizations who have established Christian medical missions in Africa, and for good reason. In 2015, 1.6 million Africans died of malaria, tuberculosis and HIV-related illnesses. [1] Timely access to affordable medicines, vaccines and other health services can prevent or treat these diseases. But less than two percent of medications in Africa are produced on the continent, meaning patients do not have access to locally produced drugs and often do not have the funds for the imported ones. One man from Mpumalanga in South Africa said of his country, “When you seek medical attention, you are often informed that there is no medication and advised to go to the big hospitals,” which most poor people cannot afford. “The system does not care about your [empty] pockets.”[2]

Rwanda is no different than the rest of Africa, they also rely heavily on imports. In 2019, the country spent around $97.6 million on drug imports, and it is expected that will increase by $102.5 million in 2024.[3] In the last several years, less supply and more demand has altered the prices of medications for patients. Rwanda did a lot of work to regulate that, but there is still more work to be done.[4]

That is why one organization ministering in Africa is GFA World, and we are starting in Rwanda to help reach the rest of Africa. Currently, GFA World is launching a new, 450-bed hospital, medical school and training complex in East Africa. It is currently under construction in Rwanda’s capital of Kigali, and when it is completed—the aim is for the end of 2025—it will serve the poorest of the poor and train new African nurses and doctors. The 17-acre campus will be one of the largest and best-equipped hospitals on the continent and will be the hub from which to launch medical missions across sub-Saharan Africa and into North Africa. A major thrust is expanding telemedicine, which will allow people in isolated areas to have access to medical care remotely online. There will also be a focus on preventing and treating illnesses like malaria, which continues to claim 400,000 lives each year.[5]

Consider partnering with GFA World as we focus on medical missions in Africa, a continent in great need of affordable medications and more well-trained doctors. Any amount helps as we equip the hospital with the drugs and tools necessary for lifesaving care, enabling us to show Christ’s love in both word and deed by meeting physical needs and bringing hope and healing to Rwanda and Africa.[6]

Learn more about Christian medical missions, Africa and beyond!

[1] Pheage, Tefo. “Dying from lack of medicines.” United Nations General Assembly. December 2016–March 2017. https://www.un.org/africarenewal/magazine/december-2016-march-2017/dying-lack-medicines.
[2] Ibid.
[3] Uwizeyimana, Theogene, et al. “Drug supply situation in Rwanda during COVID-19: Issues, efforts and challenges.” Journal of Pharmaceutical Policy and Practice. 14:12, January 20, 2021. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7816054.
[4] Ibid.
[5] “GFA World Launches Multi-Specialty Hospital in East Africa.” Patheos. May 7, 2024. https://www.patheos.com/blogs/gospelforasia/2024/05/never-seen-suffering-on-this-scale-global-organization-launches-multi-specialty-hospital-in-east-africa.
[6] “Rwanda Medical Mission.” GFA World. Accessed October 30, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/radio/hospital.