Kalukembe
Hospital
Angola, Africa
Origin Story & Hospital Summary:
Kalukembe Hospital, located in Huila, Kalukembe, Angola, is situated approximately 230 kilometers northwest of the city of Lubango. It is one of the few Protestant mission hospitals to have survived the 27-year civil war in Angola. The hospital is run by Dr. Daniel and Dr. Priscilla Cummings, who are the only physicians at this 200-bed facility. Dr. Daniel is a board-certified ER physician, and Dr. Priscilla is an OB/GYN with specialized training in Vesicovaginal Fistula surgery, Kalukembe Hospital offers a range of medical services with an inpatient capacity of around 200 beds. The hospital includes wards for pediatrics, maternity, men’s, women’s, and an ICU. The hospital is crucial for the region, providing essential healthcare services to a large, underserved population.
Technology & Capacity:
The hospital supports various medical specialties and has a significant need for medical and support staff. The technology and facilities at the hospital are basic but vital for the services they provide. The hospital faces challenges in maintaining a steady supply of medical equipment and medicines, relying on external support to supplement government supplies.
Church and Governance:
Kalukembe Hospital is supported by the Christian Health Service Corps (CHSC). The hospital's mission aligns with the Christian Health Service Corps’ goal of building local capacity by discipling and training local Christian physicians, nurses, and health professionals to serve in their own communities.
Training Opportunities:
The hospital provides training opportunities for medical professionals, with staff often serving as faculty in established training programs and residencies. Training the next generation of health professionals is a central aspect of the hospital's mission.
Medical and Support Staff Needs:
General Surgeon
Family Practice
Nurse Practitioner
Anesthesia Providers
Various Medical Specialties
Teacher for home schooling on the mission station
Hospital/Missionary Chaplain
Information Technology Specialist
General Administration and Support
Facilities Engineer and Project Manager
Language:
The national language is Portuguese. Language skills or training in Portuguese are essential for long-term service at the hospital. The Kalukembe people, a subgroup of the Ovimbundu, also speak Bantu languages, but Portuguese is widely spoken.
Housing & Food:
Housing is provided on the mission station, which includes basic amenities. Volunteers should be prepared for a rural lifestyle with limited access to some modern conveniences. Food can be locally sourced, and volunteers often need to prepare their own meals.
Travel:
Volunteers typically fly into the nearest major city, Lubango, and then travel 230 kilometers to Kalukembe. The journey requires careful planning due to the rural and remote nature of the hospital’s location.
Time Difference:
Angola operates on West Africa Time, which is UTC+1.
People and Local Religion:
The local population consists primarily of the Kalukembe subgroup of the Ovimbundu people. The community has strong ties to traditional beliefs and Christianity. The hospital plays a crucial role in both healthcare and spiritual outreach.
Climate:
Angola has a tropical climate with a rainy season from November to April and a dry season from May to October. The hospital's location in the highlands means it enjoys a more temperate climate compared to the coastal regions
Unique Challenges:
The hospital faces numerous challenges, including limited resources, inconsistent supply chains, and the need for more medical professionals. Common health issues include infectious diseases, maternal and child health problems, and trauma from accidents and violence.
Evangelism Opportunities:
Kalukembe Hospital integrates spiritual care into its medical services. The hospital offers opportunities for evangelism through daily interactions with patients and their families, providing both physical and spiritual healing.
For further details, visit the Kalukembe Hospital website.