Medical professionals needed in Mozambique

Mozambique (MNN) — Mozambique is one of the poorest countries in Africa. But at the same time, it has so much promise. Christians are answering the call to provide medical care to those in need, while sharing Christ.

SAM (Support African Mission) is a small Dutch organization that collaborates closely in northern Mozambique with the local NGO, Missão Betesda em Mozambique. At present, there are projects in two districts, namely Moma and Gurúè. The health project in the Gurúè District is co-sponsored by both a local company which produces macadamia nuts, and MAF (Mission Aviation Fellowship).

There are currently two Dutch medical doctors, two Brazilian dentists, and two nurses (Dutch and Peruvian) working in the two target areas. By July 2014, there will be a vacancy for both a medical doctor and dentist.

Are you looking for an adventure and have a desire to serve Christ through medicine? SAM is looking for a combination of a flying doctor/dentist, a general practitioner, and tropical medicine health care providers.

SAM’s Dr. Pieter de Lijster says the need is in NW Mozambique. “Our aim is to work in the clinics of the government, helping with education of the staff working there…also consultation, usually nurses or technical assistants.”

This vacancy is for the health project in the Gurúè District. Gurúè itself has a District Hospital, but the rest of the district’s health is taken care of by the staff at the various health centers. Currently, the project team visits the area frequently, flying in from Nampula, making use of the services of MAF.

Each week, various smaller health centers are visited. It’s there where doctors lend their support to medical professionals through education and consultation. Apart from this, education and training is also given to local health volunteers, and home visits are made in the villages to attend to bedridden and elderly patients. The unique character of this grass-root project is that remote communities receive better access to medical care, including–if needed–transportation to further specialized care at the Nampula Central Hospital by MAF.

De Lijster says it’s about more than medicine. “We focus on medical work, but we also have a part of our organization who shows the JESUS film in the local languages, and that has been a great success, especially in the smaller villages.”

A two-year commitment is needed. You must be able to adapt to changing conditions. Also, knowledge of tropical diseases is a plus. If God is leading you to know more, click here.