Jon Fielder, MD
For many Africans, what Americans consider basic healthcare is inaccessible. For those who require surgery to repair an injury or treat a birth defect, an operation is often out of reach.
But African Mission Healthcare is changing that. Empowered by generous donors, African Mission Healthcare has provided surgical care to over 40,000 patients.
One of those people is 14-year-old Beatrice, who received help from our Surgical Access for Everyone (SAFE) program. Two years ago, her mother noticed an unusual curve in her spine. Beatrice felt pain with every step. Soon, she could no longer bend over without being in agony.
Beatrice was referred to CURE Hospital in Kijabe, Kenya, for treatment of scoliosis. The surgeons told Beatrice’s parents that her condition could be surgically repaired — but the cost would be $1,500.
Though this operation costs far less than it would in a US hospital, Beatrice’s parents were downcast. They could not afford the operation to relieve their daughter’s pain and disability.
Beatrice’s mother is a fruit vendor, and her father works as a waiter. Their combined income is barely sufficient to support the family’s basic needs. The family asked friends and neighbors to contribute, but the money raised was not nearly enough.
When the team at CURE told Beatrice and her parents that her surgery was being sponsored by African Mission Healthcare, they were overjoyed. Beatrice was no longer sentenced to decades of pain and disability.
Thanks to the SAFE program, Beatrice underwent surgery she needed and looks forward to a bright future.
Following a successful surgery and complete recovery, Beatrice is not only able to walk without pain—she can run and play with her friends. She studies without the distraction of her aching back and is getting good grades. Her dream is to become a lawyer who will fight for the rights of the vulnerable.
While Beatrice’s future is bright, there is much more to be done. Only 5% of Africans have access to safe surgical care. African Mission Healthcare’s SAFE program operates in hospitals with surgical residents who will carry their skills to the rest of the continent.
African Mission Healthcare envisions an Africa with a thriving healthcare system, and we are working toward this vision and with the help of donors, we can continue to sponsor surgeries like the one Beatrice received and train surgeons and other healthcare workers.