Healafrica.org

Congo has been called the "worst humanitarian disaster since World War II" by the International Rescue Committee. An estimated 3.9 million people have died due to the conflict since 1998. The eastern region of Congo, where HEAL Africa works, is characterized by extreme violence, mass population displacements, widespread rape, and a collapse of public health services. The outcome has been a humanitarian disaster unmatched by any other in recent decades, but one that has drawn little response from the international community. In the midst of this conflict faith communities are the one constant presence and reach into every village. In the midst of this conflict HEAL Africa exists to provide social, physical, and spiritual healing.

HEAL Africa was born in 1994 out of a vision to upgrade rural health care by re-training medical practitioners. Congolese orthopedic surgeon, Dr Jo Lusi, the co-founder, and his wife, Lyn Lusi, recognized that a far more radical approach was required. To significantly impact health long-term, disease must be addressed at its roots; the community must be involved and engaged, and cultural values, attitudes and practices examined. HEAL Africa remains deeply committed to continuing medical education, and is equally committed to enabling conflict-ridden communities become transformed, healthy and dynamic. HEAL Africa has become a networking center for social activist organizations involved in improving people's health: victims of violence of all ages, widows, orphans, HIV/AIDS awareness and care programs, nutrition through agriculture, and work with the handicapped.

HEAL Africa works with all of the local faith-based communities (Protestant, Catholic, Muslim, and Kimbanguist) and is supported by international organizations such as UNICEF, USAID, IRC, World Bank, German Development Bank, the Clinton Foundation and many individuals and churches to rebuild the spiritual, social and economic fabric of society.

Ways to get involved::

Support for key staff. To continue to recruit and keep excellent staff, we need to pay them well. Would you like to adopt a staff member? We are recruiting an experienced public health physician and a surgeon, trainers and administrative staff.

Support for palliative home care. It costs the equivalent of pennies to keep people with HIV comfortable at home compared to Western hospital costs. Would you like to help the activists and family members who are caring for children and adults in their homes?

Computers and software to bring the Jubilee Learning Center into the 21st century. We’d like to network the entire HEAL Africa hospital as well, keeping better track of patients and pharmaceuticals.
Airline miles. Do you have too many miles to use? Could you give some to help defray costs of travel for HEAL Africa personnel? This would be a huge help.

Prayer. Pray for the people of Congo--that they will experience peace. Pray for the staff of HEAL Africa as they travel in dangerous territory on difficult roads in less-than-perfect vehicles. Pray for the women who have been healed and return to war-torn communities. Pray for the children who have had surgery but will need to be accompanied as they grow and have prosthetics adjusted, therapy continued. Pray for the men and women who have been injured by bullets, grenades and mines. They receive treatment but may not have many alternatives as career choices. Pray for the staff of HEAL Africa working at the hospital, trying to help people in physical, spiritual and emotional ways.

Advocacy for peace in Congo. Read the resources available to you on our website and others. Learn about how the arms get into Congo, who is mining for minerals, and where the money goes. Call your elected representatives and ask what plans the US has for peace in Congo.

Your ideas and networking on behalf of Congo!

Send This To A Friend