HEAL Africa

Volunteer Opportunities: Yes

History

Doctors on Call for Service (DOCS) was established in the 1990s. In 2005, the DOCS board split to form two separate organizations. One organization (DOCS) would concentrate on medical education in various locations in Africa, and one organization was dedicated to the needs of the people and communities of eastern DRC.The organization founded by Dr. Jo and Lyn Lusi focused on the medical and social needs of the communities of eastern DRC became known as HEAL Africa. In this area ravaged by war and poverty they provided health and hope to communities, especially to those who were most vulnerable. One of the distinguishing marks of HEAL Africa is its commitment to the employment of Africans for its leadership and for the delivery of all services. Volunteers from around the world often come to provide specialized training, but the work is planned, led and accomplished by those who are native to the culture. In 2013, HEAL Africa and DOCS began discussions about reuniting the organizations that had gone in separate directions in 2005. Joint projects between 2009 and 2013 helped convince both organizations that they could do more working together than they could working separately. After eight years of separation both the DOCS and the HEAL Africa boards unanimously approved the merger of the organizations during the summer of 2014. The merger with DOCS, with its focus on medical education, strengthens HEAL Africa’s commitment to medical education, training and Christian mentoring.