Our Work
Physicians Train at Kenyan Hospitals
Two Kenyan hospitals provided residencies to 14 Sudanese-Canadian physicians through
the Physician Reintegration program initiated by Samaritan's Purse Canada and the
University of Calgary.
The two hospitals, located outside of Nairobi, trained and housed the physicians
during their residencies, providing the doctors with a unique, hands-on opportunity
that complemented the medical, professional and spiritual training they received
in Canada. Beginning in fall 2007, the doctors will completed their residencies
and return to South Sudan, fulfilling a life-long mission to serve their people
with their medical skills.
"These Sudanese physicians from Canada are capable of having a very beneficial
impact on South Sudan," says Scott Shannon, a U.S. doctor in Nairobi who is
coordinating the doctors' training program.
South Sudan's health care system was devastated by over 20 years of civil war, and
has only approximately 40 practicing physicians trying to serve the medical needs
of nine million people. In contrast, there are 15,000 practicing physicians serving
every nine million people in Canada.
Growing Sudan's Health Care System
The ailments the Sudanese physicians will be asked to identify and treat most often
will be malaria and severe diarrhea, says Mary Mwai, Health Development Officer
for the Church Ecumenical Action Sudan (CEAS) - a Christian organization working
with Samaritan's Purse.
Mwai predicts the physicians will also play an important role in implementing preventative
immunization programs and in helping Sudanese women during childbirth.
South Sudan's health care system is in such post-war disarray that preventative
immunization is almost non-existent, and most women undergo childbirth with no medical
help. Many die during the process, and so do their babies - helping to account for
South Sudan's average life expectancy of approximately only 46 years.
"The physicians will be able to save lives and serve as role models" -
encouraging other Sudanese people in Canada to follow a similar path back to Sudan,
Mwai says.
"I am so happy Samaritan's Purse Canada is involved in something so noble,"
adds Petros Wontama Anamo, CEAS' director. "These Sudanese doctors whom (Samaritan's
Purse Canada) is helping to return to their homeland will inspire the Sudanese people
- giving them hope."
Support this project
by donating to Sudan Medical Needs
Related Media Coverage
Related Stories
Ways You Can Help
|
Pray
Pray for wisdom and protection for the physicians as they now serve in remote locations across South Sudan. |  | GivePartner with us in our mission to bring spiritual and physical aid to hurting people around the world. Donate Here.
|