We know from our experience in the field that a lack of access to basic health services often means the difference between life and death for women and children living in poverty. One of the biggest barriers: a lack of skilled health workers.
The WHO estimates that over 4.3 million health workers are needed to fill the world’s healthcare gaps. Of those, 1.9 million are non-clinical health workers, such as hospital administrators, supply chain specialists, and operational/logistical support staff. There are several factors that contribute to the shortage of health workers, including a lack of investment in education and training, international migration, and career changes among health workers.
Our volunteer program sends highly skilled, compassionate volunteers where they are needed most.
Dr. Jose Garcia left his family, his friends, and the comforts of home to serve at Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Mutomo, Kenya. He describes the great need:
There are only two doctors here, not counting me. They treat more than 70 patients every day. And our patients come from as far as 40 miles away, often traveling by foot while sick or pregnant. They are very poor people, living off whatever they can grow. I treat so many malnourished children.
As St. Teresa of Ávila reminds us,
No hands, no feet on earth, but yours.
Yours are the eyes through which
Christ looks compassion into the world.
Yours are the feet with which Christ walks to do good.
Yours are the hands with which Christ blesses the world.