Hôpital Baptiste
Biblique
Togo, Africa
Origin Story & Hospital Summary:
Hôpital Baptiste Biblique (HBB), also known as Karolyn Kempton Memorial Christian Hospital, was established in 1985 by the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE). Located in Tsiko, southwest Togo, just north of Kpalimé, the hospital sits on a lush 32-acre campus at the foot of the Danyi Plateau. It serves a diverse population from Togo and neighboring countries, addressing critical healthcare needs in a region characterized by both rural and urban communities, HBB is a 50-bed hospital providing comprehensive medical, surgical, and acute care services. The facility includes male and female wards, a pediatric ward, a four-bed ICU, an infection ward, and a maternity ward with a four-bed delivery area. The hospital also features an isolation room, two private rooms, a triage area, and a busy outpatient clinic that sees approximately 18,000 visits annually. HBB serves around 2,200 inpatients each year, including 1,600 surgical cases, and handles 600-700 deliveries with about 40% being C-sections. The hospital also runs evangelistic mobile medical clinics and an active community health evangelism program.
Technology & Capacity:
HBB is equipped with two operating rooms and a range of basic surgical equipment. The hospital offers local, spinal, ketamine, and general anesthesia. Radiology services include basic X-ray and a mobile ultrasound machine. Laboratory capabilities encompass CBC, hematology, various chemistries, parasitology, rapid testing for HIV, Hepatitis B & C, electrolytes, malaria, urinalysis, sickle cell, TB, creatinine, and TSH. While there is no on-site pathology lab, specimens are sent to the U.S. for review and diagnosis.
Church and Governance:
The hospital is managed by ABWE and operates with a mission to integrate medical care with spiritual outreach. The governance structure emphasizes holistic healthcare, addressing physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. HBB actively participates in community health evangelism, ensuring that every patient hears the gospel during their visit. The hospital's ministry has contributed to the planting of 53 churches in the region, 80% of which are now led by national believers.
Training Opportunities:
HBB offers training programs for nurses and other healthcare professionals. The hospital's Nurse Training Program is a key component of its educational mission. Additionally, the hospital provides informal teaching during rounds and skill development sessions for visiting healthcare professionals.
Medical and Support Staff Needs:
Family Medicine
Internal Medicine
Pediatrics
Emergency Medicine
Neonatology
Nurse Practitioners
Pharmacy
Physical Therapy
Physician Assistants
Language:
French is the official national language of Togo, used in all official business and teaching. The two main local languages are Ewe and Kabyé. Most hospital staff speak English, and translation services are available for patient interactions.
Housing & Food:
Volunteers typically stay in the guesthouse on the hospital compound, which has five large units, each with its own bath, and one with a sitting room. Meals are provided at a reasonable cost, and the water on the compound is filtered for safety. Longer-term volunteers may stay in available homes on the compound.
Travel:
Volunteers fly into Lomé, Togo, and then travel approximately 2.5 hours by car to reach the hospital. Transportation from Lomé to the hospital is provided, with costs detailed in the hospital’s budget worksheet.
Time Difference:
+4 hours daylight saving time; +5 hours Eastern Standard Time.
People and Local Religion:
Togo has over 7 million inhabitants and is one of the most densely populated areas in Africa. The population is diverse, with 37 different tribes and ethnic groups, the largest being the Ewe. While many Togolese people identify as Catholic, Protestant, or Muslim, a significant portion still practices animism and spiritism. The hospital serves a predominantly young population, with 70% under the age of 30.
Climate:
Togo has a hot and humid climate with a rainy season from late March through October and a dry season from November to February. The Harmattan winds from the Sahara cause a dusty haze during the dry season. Average high temperatures range from the upper 80s to the upper 90s.
Unique Challenges:
Common health issues treated at HBB include meningitis, malaria, hernias, intestinal diseases, infertility, typhoid, cancer, diabetes, snake bites, tetanus, rabies, and hypertension. The hospital also faces logistical challenges such as occasional shortages of medical supplies.
Evangelism Opportunities:
HBB ensures that every patient hears the gospel during their visit, with an average of 14% of patients professing faith in Christ. The hospital hosts both long-term and short-term medical mission trips, offering opportunities for volunteers to engage in medical service and evangelism. The hospital's mission includes training and mentoring local Christian healthcare professionals to serve their communities effectively.
For more information or to volunteer, please visit Hôpital Baptiste Biblique.