We support Mukinge Hospital in rural Zambia, and Dr. David Friend (a SIM medical missionary) who serves as a surgical doctor at the hospital. Located about 10 hours from the capital, Mukinge provides lifesaving care to a large and growing population in a region with limited medical resources.
Community Outreach: Leprosy Village and Local Prison
In addition to his surgical work, Dr. Friend regularly visits a nearby leprosy village and a local prison, offering spiritual care and practical support to some of the region’s most vulnerable. His outreach plays a vital role in helping prisoners reintegrate into society and reminding each person of their value and dignity.
Meeting Urgent and Complex Medical Needs
Mukinge’s team handles a high number of trauma cases, especially from motorbike accidents — a common but dangerous form of transport in the region. The hospital also treats severe burns from cooking fires and lightning strikes, as well as snake bites that become more common during the rainy season. These emergencies often require rapid intervention, anti-venom, and surgical care.
The surgical team is also equipped to manage complex wound care, skin grafts, amputations, and a wide variety of general procedures.
Responding to a Growing Patient Load
In the past three years, Mukinge Hospital has seen a 30% increase in patient numbers. This doesn’t even include the rising number of surgeries, childbirths (including C-sections), and outpatient visits driven by a growing population.
Unfortunately, government funding has remained relatively flat. As a result, the hospital regularly faces shortages of essential medications — including blood pressure treatments, injectable pain relief, and anaesthetic drugs that are critical to safe surgeries.
Recently (in 2024), Mukinge hosted a visiting team of paediatric surgeons from one of Zambia’s major hospitals. Their visit allowed children to receive complex surgeries not usually possible at Mukinge.
Our Support
CT Trust provides direct financial support to Dr. David Friend to assist him in his medical and outreach ministries.
In partnership with International Barcodes Ltd, we also contribute to SIM’s work in Zambia. These funds are directed to Mukinge Hospital to help cover the cost of essential medications, including anaesthetics, which are vital for safe and effective surgical care.
