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Twenty-eight countries in Africa still practice female genital mutilation. CMS mission partner in training Ann-Marie Wilson thinks this is "28 too many" and has set up a network under that name to take a stand against FGM.
You can listen to her on a recent edition of Premier Radio's Woman to Woman programme here:
http://www.premierradio.org.uk/listen/ondemand.aspx?mediaid={90AEB80A-687E-41CB-A3A5-0789CEC633FE}
Why not take a look at the 28 too many website at 28toomany.org?
This month we re-launch our Audiomission podcast as a monthly 20-minute programme, produced and presented by Mike Stranks.
This month: rescued Chilean miner Jose Henriquez, environmental activist James Pender, community development worker Christine Salaman, Bible translation in South America and take up a sponsored challenge with CMS.
[ Format: mp3 | File size: 16MB | Length: 20 mins ]
People coming to the end of their lives are getting the physical and spiritual care they need, thanks to a new initiative from CMS mission partner Dr Francesca Elloway, health advisor to the Aru diocese.
Thanks to generous support, building work has begun on a palliative counselling block at the Aru Health Centre and a small team are starting to do home visits, caring for people in terminal situations.
“We visited two patients on Christmas Eve, bringing them food parcels and comfort. In January a team went to help at Uganda Hospice in Kampala. The concept of a hospice is still new here,” said Dr Francesca.
As far as she knows, end of life care is something previously unknown in the region.
But with many patients suffering from terminal cancer, AIDS, advanced cardiac disease, etc, quality palliative care is much needed.
“I have been pleased at the positive response from medical and church leaders as I’ve brought up the subject. People were visiting the sick and dying, but they realised they lacked training to deal with patients’ specific issues.”
In addition to the home visits, the new palliative centre will house four rooms for counselling and two rooms for in-patients.
Dr Francesca has begun teaching courses at local nursing schools and churches and more people are asking for training.
Spirituality plays a key role. “When someone is facing death it is often a time when they…are really searching for answers to spiritual questions and are open to talking about such things.
"As Christians that gives us a wonderful opportunity to sensitively share the good news and pray with a patient if appropriate. Many expect it as they know we are a Christian health centre. Sometimes I feel I am thanked more for praying with a patient that for any medical care.”
Dr Francesca oversees one hospital and eight health centres in Aru. She has been working with the Anglican Church of Congo since 1994.
Picture: A dying man welcomes a Christmas Eve visit
