Health Ministries

Nurse on duty Bienfait Kabeya Ntumba (right) recounts how he was beaten during an attack on the United Methodist Irambo Health Center on the night of March 18 in Bukavu, Congo. Dr. Jimmy Kasongo (center), medical director of the health center, listens during a staff meeting. It is the second time in a month that armed gunmen invaded the hospital. Photo by Philippe Kituka Lolonga, UM News.

United Methodist hospital staff attacked in Congo

Armed men invaded two church health centers in eastern Congo, leading to violence and looting.

A woman exits an ambulance after receiving testing during The United Methodist Church’s free health expo in Harare, Zimbabwe, as other patients wait to be seen. The church partnered with the government and Sunningdale Medical Center to offer the free screenings to church members and the community in October. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

Patients line up for free church health clinic

The United Methodist Sunningdale Circuit in Zimbabwe collaborated with the government to offer free health screenings and information.

Global Health

The theme of the annual AIDS Interfaith Breakfast in New York City highlighted the failure of the world health community to “put children first,” calling on faith communities to speak out on behalf of the voiceless and vulnerable. That theme can offer inspiration as churches celebrate World AIDS Day on Dec. 1. Photo by the Rev. Donald E. Messer, UM News.

World AIDS Day call: ‘Put people first’

At two global AIDS conferences, numerous speakers emphasized that faith communities can play a vital role in combating the stigma attached to the disease.

Global Health

Dr. Marie-Claire Manafundu, coordinator of The United Methodist Church’s Maternal, Newborn and Child Health program in eastern Congo, talks to a woman about the importance of breastfeeding during a visit to Lokole Methodist Hospital Center in Kindu, Congo. The church’s awareness campaign highlighted the health benefits for mothers and children and also featured testimonials from experienced mothers who shared the challenges and joys of breastfeeding. Photo by Chadrack Tambwe Londe, UM News.

Church works to promote breastfeeding in Congo

As part of World Breastfeeding Week, United Methodists organized information and awareness-raising sessions to support the health of mothers and children.

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