Resources

India distinguishes itself as one of the worst places in the world to die (Lancet 2015). In rural areas, because of a severe lack of access to appropriate health care, disease often simply ravages the bodies of our precious people completely unchallenged. A host of factors preclude good quality of remaining life, and a good death. Home based palliative care in this scenario is a breath of fresh air, bringing relief, comfort and hope, thus affirming the dignity of human life grounded in Imago Dei Speaker(s): Ashita Singh Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/impact-of-a-replicable-model-of-palliative-care-in-underserved-rural-indian-communities

After a brief overview of the global challenges that human Trafficking presents, we will discuss the role of Christians in the fight. We will present a situation report and tools that Medical Ambassadors International uses to address the problem from a grassroots perspective. We will showcase partnerships with local actors, teaching resources used in different cultural settings and the impact of networks to eliminate Trafficking. Speaker(s): Dr. Bibiana Mac Leod, MD; Zuzana Polackova MS,M.Ed Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/taking-action-against-human-trafficking-from-within-communities

Refugees & Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) face significant challenges to their health & well-being. Caring for people in these situations requires an understanding of their unique needs as well as having realistic goals regarding what can & cannot be done for them. Our experiences in providing healthcare for the victims of in Zaire, Indonesia, Pakistan, Myanmar, Afghanistan, Honduras, Nepal, Kurdistan, Turkey, Ukraine, Haiti, Philippines, & other places – both natural & manmade – highlight the need to be well prepared when serving in these difficult situations. Speaker(s): Mitch Duininck MD, FAAFP Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/caring-for-victims-of-humanitarian-disaster-and-military-conflict

I have been pursuing missions as a single female for the past 10 to 15 years. There are so many opinions from the church about what it means to be single and a believer, as well as being a single believer pursuing missions. I am no expert in the field of singleness, relationships, or dating. The goal of this session is to have a panel discussion of the extreme points of view on singleness in the church and try to find a more balanced approach to loving those who are single well in the church. Speaker(s): Clara Formby Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/seeking-truth-in-singleness

Bringing Dignity Through Skin Health: The Role of Missions in Dermatological Care in Underserved Regions Skin conditions might seem minor compared to heart disease or infections—but in many underserved communities, they cause pain, stigma, and even long-term disability. Without access to dermatological care, treatable skin issues can become life-altering. Medical missions have the opportunity to bring healing to both the body and dignity of those affected.   Overlooked Burden of Skin Disease In low-resource regions, dermatological care is rarely prioritized. Yet skin diseases are among the most common health concerns worldwide, affecting children, farmers, the elderly, and those living in close quarters or poor hygiene conditions. Issues like fungal infections, eczema, leprosy, and scabies often go untreated for years—not due to lack of will, but lack of access. What are the most common skin conditions in underserved regions? Some of the most prevalent skin diseases include bacterial infections, fungal rashes, scabies, and chronic eczema. In tropical climates, neglected skin problems can lead to open wounds, secondary infections, or long-term disfigurement. These are preventable with early diagnosis and care. The challenge of providing dermatological care in underserved regions is compounded by a shortage of specialists, limited access to affordable medication, and the stigma that often surrounds visible skin conditions. In many areas, dermatological care is a silent need. People suffer in silence, assuming there is no treatment or help available.   Healing in Every Layer “Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be clean!’” — Luke 5:13 (NIV) When Jesus healed the man with leprosy, He addressed more than a skin disease—He restored dignity. That’s the call for missions today: to bring holistic healing that acknowledges both physical and emotional pain. Why is dermatological care important in global missions? Skin conditions can affect quality of life, cause chronic pain, lead to job loss, and even isolate individuals from their families and communities. Providing dermatological care in underserved regions not only treats the condition but also restores self-worth and human connection.   Mission-Driven Solutions for Skin Health When it comes to skin conditions, small interventions make a big impact. Mission teams focused on dermatology can offer: Diagnosis and treatment of common conditions Training for local health workers in basic dermatologic care Distribution of hygiene kits and education about skin hygiene Mobile clinics in remote areas for screening and care How can medical missions support dermatological care in underserved regions? By providing portable diagnostic tools, basic medications like antifungals and topical creams, and education around skin hygiene, mission teams create scalable impact. Training local health workers ensures that knowledge stays long after the mission ends. Some missions have also begun teledermatology projects, offering remote diagnosis and treatment guidance through mobile phones—an innovative step forward for dermatological care.   Creating Long-Term Change The goal of dermatology in missions isn’t just treatment—it’s transformation. By equipping local providers with knowledge and simple tools, skin health becomes something communities can manage and sustain on their own. When you restore someone’s skin, you often restore their confidence, their relationships, and their ability to engage in daily life with hope. What are sustainable strategies for dermatological care in underserved regions? Sustainable change comes through local empowerment: training health workers, developing skin health education programs in schools, distributing hygiene supplies, and integrating dermatological services into existing health infrastructure. Long-term dermatological care depends on trust. When communities are given tools and respect—not just prescriptions—they are more likely to embrace treatments and share knowledge. The stigma around skin disease can only be broken when treatment becomes normalized and accessible.   Support the Mission You can be part of this healing work. Support missions that bring dermatological care to communities who’ve waited too long to be seen and cared for. Even a small donation can fund topical medications, clean water access, or training sessions for rural health workers—all critical components of successful dermatological care. Every mission team that brings hope to one patient is building a future of healthier skin, stronger communities, and renewed dignity. Partner with medical missions making a difference at Medical Missions.

How do you keep up with the demands of ministry while balancing the needs of your family, not to mention your own needs? How do you keep doing more with less? How do you protect yourself from burnout while advocating for the least of these? How do you establish boundaries without neglecting the needs of your community? What does work–life – balance look like? These are some of the questions Dr. Thomas and his wife, Jessie hope to explore as they share lessons from the field. Dr. Thomas serves as the Chief Medical Officer at Dayspring Family Health Center answering a call to serve vulnerable and marginalized communities. Jessie serves as the National Director of Student Programming at Christian Community Health Fellowship (CCHF.) They have three teenage children. Serving their family and discipling their children are some of their top priorities. They are also active leaders in their local church. Despite the busyness and numerous challenges of ministry and family life, they have learned the importance of balance, boundaries, and rest. Speaker(s): Jessie Thomas; Geogy Thomas Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/staying-alive-finding-peace-in-the-chaos-of-missional-living

In many parts of the world, the demand for safe, available blood far outweighs the supply. While medical missions often focus on direct care, the need for reliable blood systems is just as urgent. Blood saves lives—but what happens when it's not there?   What are blood donation challenges in low-resource countries? Blood donation challenges include lack of awareness, limited infrastructure for testing and storage, cultural resistance to donating, and inconsistent refrigeration systems. These factors make safe blood supply unreliable and life-saving care more difficult.   Why Blood Shortages Persist Global healthcare systems—especially in low-resource countries—struggle with limited blood donations for a variety of reasons: Lack of infrastructure to collect, test, and store blood safely Low public awareness about the importance of donating Cultural taboos and misconceptions about blood donation Inconsistent supply chains and unreliable refrigeration Without regular donations and safe storage systems, critical surgeries and emergency care are often delayed—or impossible. These challenges are especially severe in rural or underserved regions, where emergency response relies heavily on local capacity to store and transport safe blood products. In many developing nations, even routine procedures can be postponed due to the lack of an available blood supply.   Life in the Blood “The life of every creature is in its blood.” — Leviticus 17:14 (NIV) This ancient truth reminds us: blood is more than a resource—it’s a lifeline. In global missions, providing access to safe blood is an act of reverence, compassion, and justice. Why is blood important in healthcare? Blood is essential for surgeries, childbirth, trauma care, and managing diseases like anaemia. A steady and safe blood supply can reduce maternal deaths, support cancer treatments, and stabilise emergency patients.   Role of Medical Missions in Bridging the Gap Medical missions aren’t just about care—they’re about infrastructure, too. Effective mission teams are addressing blood shortages through: Hosting mobile blood donation drives in partnership with local health facilities Donating refrigerators and training for proper blood storage Providing education campaigns to dispel myths and encourage community donations Partnering with local hospitals to improve screening and handling processes This is a place where short-term missions can create long-term systems. How can missions solve challenges in blood donations? By building local capacity—through education, equipment, and consistent partnership—missions help communities take ownership of their blood supply. These efforts create resilience even after the mission team departs. One of the major blood donation challenges is mistrust. Many communities hesitate to donate due to fears of infection or exploitation. Education programs delivered through trusted community members can dispel these fears.   A Crisis We Can Solve Together The blood shortage crisis is solvable. But it requires commitment—not just of technology and tools, but of trust and truth. Communities need to believe in the safety and importance of donation. That means outreach, education, and consistent partnerships. Medical Missions can lead the way in building both the supply and the confidence needed for sustainable change. What are the solutions to blood donation-related challenges? Solutions include awareness campaigns, training for blood bank staff, mobile donation drives, and investment in cold chain storage. Empowering local communities is key to ensuring long-term access to safe blood. These challenges affect not just the quantity of available blood, but its safety and timeliness. Even donated blood can go to waste without proper storage, testing, and distribution systems.   Support the Mission You don’t need to be a surgeon to save a life. Support missions that help communities build safe, reliable blood donation systems—because every drop counts. Every dollar or resource given toward solving blood donation challenges is a step toward reducing preventable deaths. Want to get involved? Support a mission today that is actively responding to blood donation-related challenges in developing countries—and be part of the life-saving solution.

Motivating People to Change Their Health Habits Speaker(s): Dave MD, MA (Bioethics) Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/motivating-people-to-change-their-health-habits

What is neonatal care? Neonatal care refers to the medical support provided to newborns during the first 28 days of life, especially those born prematurely or with complications. This critical care includes interventions like infection prevention, resuscitation, warming, and feeding assistance.   Why is neonatal care important in developing countries? Neonatal care in developing countries is essential because many newborns die from preventable causes due to limited access to trained healthcare workers, clean delivery environments, and basic medical equipment. Strengthening neonatal systems can save millions of lives annually. The first few hours of life should be filled with peace and promise. But in many parts of the world, they’re marked by risk. In developing countries, neonatal deaths remain heartbreakingly common—many of them preventable. Medical missions play a critical role in bringing both care and compassion to these fragile lives.   Urgency of Neonatal Health More than 2 million newborns die every year, most within the first 28 days of life. In many developing countries, access to sterile delivery environments, trained midwives, and life-saving newborn interventions is limited or nonexistent. Simple infections, birth complications, or lack of warmth and oxygen can become fatal without timely care. That’s why neonatal missions aren’t just helpful—they’re urgent. Neonatal care helps address preventable conditions that claim newborn lives, such as sepsis, birth asphyxia, and hypothermia.   Barriers to Newborn Survival What are the biggest challenges facing neonatal care in developing countries? The biggest barriers include poor maternal nutrition, lack of prenatal care, no access to skilled birth attendants, and low community awareness of danger signs in newborns. Why are neonatal outcomes so poor in many underserved regions? Several compounding factors play a role: Inadequate prenatal care and maternal malnutrition Lack of skilled birth attendants No access to neonatal resuscitation or emergency care Limited awareness about newborn danger signs These challenges demand not just medical skill, but long-term investment in education and community health systems. A lack of sustainable neonatal care is often rooted in broader public health gaps—without investing in women, midwives, and clean birth infrastructure, progress remains slow.   God’s Heart for the Newborn “You knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made.” — Psalm 139:13–14 (NIV) Every newborn is a masterpiece—precious, loved, and known by God. Missions that protect and nurture these tiny lives reflect His heart in action. God’s compassion extends to the most vulnerable, and supporting neonatal care is a way to honour His love by preserving every life He creates.   Mission Strategies That Make a Difference What are the best ways to improve neonatal care in developing countries? Effective mission strategies include training local midwives, introducing low-cost incubators, promoting safe breastfeeding, and supporting infection control practices. Mission teams trained in neonatal care bring critical expertise to the front lines. Effective approaches often include: Portable incubators and warming devices for low-resource clinics Neonatal resuscitation training for midwives and nurses Infection control education for birth attendants Breastfeeding and maternal nutrition support These practical efforts don’t just save lives—they empower local providers to continue the work long after the mission team leaves. Each of these strategies helps scale neonatal care in developing countries sustainably, creating a ripple effect through generations of healthier children.   Building Long-Term Impact Through Local Empowerment The goal isn’t just to reduce mortality in the short term—it’s to equip communities for lasting change. That means training local healthcare workers, supplying reliable medical equipment, and investing in maternal education. How can we create lasting change in neonatal care? By empowering local systems—training healthcare staff, improving facilities, and investing in maternal awareness—neonatal care becomes sustainable, not just reactive. When missions invest in both newborns and the systems around them, fragile lives can become flourishing futures. Neonatal care is not a one-time intervention—it’s a commitment to health equity, starting with the smallest lives.   Support the Mission When you support neonatal medical missions, you give more than medical care—you give the gift of life, love, and lasting hope to families in need. Support for neonatal care in developing countries means giving babies a fair chance at life, regardless of where they’re born. Want to make a difference today? Partner with a medical mission that delivers neonatal care and become part of the solution. Find out how you can be part of this life-saving work at Medical Missions.

Living on Mission in Healthcare Anywhere Speaker(s): Bob Mason; Helena Torres Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/living-on-mission-in-healthcare-anywhere

Hear healthcare missionaries share their journeys. In the first hour hear a panel of two docs and two nurses answer your questions as well as: - How do I find God’s guidance in the journey? - Why and how do I connect with a mentor or agency or team or training? - What if my spouse or family are not supportive of me doing missions? The second hour will be small discussion group with a missionary coach and others like you in your current stage: - Exploring full-time missions - Heading towards full-time missions - Single or married One participant shared after one of these discussions, “I felt so overwhelmed at the size of GMHC. It was easy to feel lost in the crowd. In the Exploring small group discussion I was able to share my questions and fears.” Speaker(s): John McVay Session webpage: https://www.medicalmissions.com/events/gmhc-2024/sessions/exploring-the-journey-to-full-time-missions-agencies-funding-singlesfamilies-guidance

When medical missions step into communities around the world, they don’t arrive in a vacuum. Many of these communities already have deeply rooted traditions of healing, passed down through generations. The question isn’t whether traditional medicine or modern healthcare is “better”—it’s how we honor both in a way that saves lives and builds trust. Reality of Traditional Healing Practices For many underserved communities, traditional medicine isn’t an alternative—it’s the only form of healthcare they’ve ever known. Herbal remedies, spiritual healing, and ancestral wisdom play a central role in how people understand illness and recovery. Mission teams must approach these practices with respect, not judgement. Dismissing them outright can create mistrust, while thoughtful engagement can open the door for meaningful dialogue and collaboration. When Modern Healthcare Intervenes Modern medicine brings undeniable benefits: antibiotics, surgical procedures, prenatal care, and life-saving diagnostics. But it also brings complexity—tools, terminology, and approaches that can feel foreign or even threatening in communities with no prior exposure. That’s why integration, not replacement, is the most compassionate path forward. Missions that succeed often come alongside existing traditions rather than trying to erase them. Healing That Honors Both Worlds “To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all people so that by all possible means I might save some.” — 1 Corinthians 9:22 (NIV) This verse captures the heart of contextual ministry. It’s not about changing others to look like us—it’s about humbly stepping into their world and walking with them toward healing. Practical Ways to Integrate Traditional & Modern Approaches Some mission teams have found success by weaving both worlds together in ways that elevate community voices and build sustainable health habits: Listening first: Ask about local remedies, practices, and beliefs before offering new solutions Partnering with traditional healers: Build bridges that create mutual trust and shared purpose Using modern tools to enhance—not replace—local practices (e.g., improving sanitation for herbal treatments) Offering education that explains how and why certain modern methods work without demeaning local customs By valuing both approaches, we shift from a mindset of control to one of collaboration. Moving Forward with Respect & Compassion Medical missions have the power to bring incredible healing—but they must never forget the culture and wisdom already present in the places they serve. The best missions are the ones that listen well, teach gently, and honor deeply. It’s not about winning a debate between traditional and modern medicine. It’s about recognizing the image of God in every culture, and choosing healing over hierarchy. Support the Mission You don’t have to choose sides. You can choose service. Support missions that walk humbly, listen closely, and bring healing that lasts.   Discover how you can support culturally respectful missions at Medical Missions.