Bongolo Hospital staff in Gabon, Central Africa, initiated a research study this summer to treat patients with multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR TB). In 2014, the World Health Organization estimated that 480,000 people worldwide had developed the resistance.
Generosity Dispels Fear
“Lekembi is a 20-year-old man, one of the patients we really wanted to treat. But the day he was supposed to begin the medicines, he fled,” Dr. Valach observes. “He finally returned three months later and began treatment, clearly much more ill.”
The 20-year-old was reportedly fearful that he wouldn’t have enough money for food to stay in the hospital. In Africa, as in most of the developing world, patients are responsible to supply their own meals during their hospital stays.
Dr. Valach purchased 100 pounds of rice and cases of food staples for Lekembi and the other three MDR TB patients (pictured), since she will be on home assignment for three months in the United States.
The hospital’s first patient is reportedly doing well and will be ready to be released soon and return home to his son.
“In the past in Gabon” Dr. Valach says, “It was sad for me to watch patients die and not be able to help them—I’m thankful we can help these four.”
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Bongolo Hospital currently serves about one third of Gabon’s population. All patients—along with their families and friends—hear a clear presentation of the gospel. Last year alone, more than 2,300 people came to Christ through the hospital’s outreach.