One way of showing the love of Jesus is through The Bon Samaritain [Good Samaritan] Clinic. Opened in November 2002, The Bon Samaritain provides primary health care in the district of Ziguinchor, where the project Talibé and our church, l'Eglise Vivante, are also located. We work closely with the Senegalese Medical Authorities, who are in favour of, and promote the Centre.

The Bon Samaritain currently has the following team members:

• A doctor
• A state nurse
• A nursing assistant
• A state midwife
• Receptionist/ booking clerk
• A medicine dispenser
• 2 guards

Background and demographics

The Bon Samaritain Clinic has 7,480 residents in it’s area of responsibility. The clinic has 10,500 new patient consultations each year, 80% of whom are women and children.

The most common diagnoses are malaria, respiratory infections, intestinal infections, skin infections, high blood pressure, dental and ocular diseases.

In the area of Ziguinchor that The Bon Samaritain is responsible, malnutrition affects around 40% of children. The local authorities are making a big effort in fighting against malnutrition. The clinic used to help by distributing enriched flour, however this has stopped unfortunately due to lack of funding.

The government runs a free vaccination program for all children under 5 years and encourage HIV testing with free clinics and blood tests. The clinic is called upon to work closely with the local authorities with these provisions. At least twice a year there are national vaccination campaigns that the clinic takes part in

In Senegal the treatment of certain diseases such as AIDS, TB, and Malaria are free. The government has launched an education program on this subject.

Our objectives

To show the Lord's love and to share the Word of God: Our good provision of healthcare attracts many patients and they witness the love God has for them by the love and sacrifice we show them. The patients are sometimes so touched that they ask us to pray for them

To help with care for those who can’t afford treatment: Some patients who come to the clinic have nothing. We help such people by giving free consultations and medicines

Provide the best care to the people: we are looking to bring together a larger team of health professionals such as doctors, dentists, optician or ophthalmologist,, a laboratory technician,....

Have a well equipped health structure to better serve - the clinic needs a range of medical equipment for each department to achieve our objectives

To provide the population with quality medicines at low prices

Training: We actively encourage young Christians from Senegal to consider serving our Lord through medical work, with the support of ARM-Senegal and the generosity of individuals in Europe and many local Christians

Contributing to prevention: Preventive Medicine – Education on Health, Hygiene and Nutrition, alongside baby clinics, de-worming treatment for young children and immunization programs contribute to raising the general level of health in the community

Population education and awareness: These are very important elements in helping the population avoid common illnesses