Care in Senegal, our concern!
At Senegal there are few opportunities for training medical staff. There is not only a huge shortage of doctors, but certainly also of nurses. An inventory showed that at least 250 additional health workers are needed at Christian health centres in Dakar and Thiès. Part of the reason is that the government is making ever-higher demands on clinics when it comes to sufficient and qualified staff. If these are not met, mission clinics risk being closed down. The Christian witness is clearly at risk if Christian health work were to be interrupted.
Tabitha Kieviet, a tropical medicine doctor who worked in Senegal until 2026, has therefore, together with a number of doctors, taken the initiative to increase the number of nursing staff for the 25 mission clinics in the country. A three-year nursing training programme has been launched in Dakar. This has been achieved without government funding, as the government offers no support.
How is the school set up?
The governance of the school is inspired by our Saviour Jesus Christ. He gave us an example of dedication, excellence, humility and integrity.
We train health workers to demonstrate in their work:
- Compassion for their patients
- Competence in the practice of their profession
- Character of Jesus Christ as reference
- Sensible and effective communication
- Courage and dedication.
Why this project?
The need for medical care is very high in Senegal: there is only one doctor for every 16,000 inhabitants. Some 90% of Senegal's population does not have access to safe and affordable healthcare. A large proportion of Senegal's more than 14 million population suffers from malaria, widespread poverty and high infant mortality. 1 in 11 children do not reach adulthood there and widespread malnutrition makes it harder for children to recover from diseases. In short, medical care is desperately needed.
Impact
The board and teachers look forward to a fully functional school that will provide the necessary manpower for Christian healthcare structures in Senegal and beyond. The start was in 2022 and it is expected that after five years, 40 -50 students will complete the two-year course annually.
