Bethany Relief and Rehabilitation International (Canada) Inc.

Overview Bethany Relief and Rehabilitation International (Canada) Inc. is a Canadian faith-based medical non-governmental organization (NGO) that focuses primarily on providing medical relief and rehabilitation services to children in East Africa. The organization operates under the brand name BethanyKids and works closely with healthcare facilities in Africa, such as the AIC (Africa Inland Church) Kijabe Hospital near Nairobi.

Mission and Activities

The mission of Bethany Relief and Rehabilitation International is centered around addressing the medical needs of children in Africa, particularly those with congenital anomalies and disabilities. The organization is dedicated to performing life-transforming surgeries for conditions like spina bifida, hydrocephalus, burns, cleft lips, and cleft palates. Since its inception, BethanyKids has provided over 43,000 surgeries across Africa as of the latest records.

Training of Pediatric Surgeons

A significant component of their work involves training and resourcing pediatric surgeons in Africa. They are among the first organizations to initiate such training programs on the continent. Currently, they have surgical fellows in training across sites in Kenya and Uganda. This effort aims to address the critical shortage of pediatric surgeons in Africa, where the ratio of surgeons to children is alarmingly low compared to North America.

Therapeutic Support

In addition to surgical interventions, BethanyKids provides physiotherapy and occupational therapy to students at the Joytown Primary School for Children with Disabilities in Thika, Kenya. This holistic approach ensures that children receive comprehensive support to maximize their potential.

Leadership and Governance

BethanyKids operates as part of a broader network with legal entities in the USA, Canada, and the UK. Each country has its own national board of directors, and there is an International Board comprised of representatives from these national boards. The boards include professionals with diverse backgrounds and expertise, who voluntarily serve to guide the organization's strategy and operations.

Impact and Legacy

Bethany Relief and Rehabilitation International has made a substantial impact by improving access to pediatric surgical care across Africa. The organization's commitment to both direct medical intervention and capacity building through surgeon training contributes significantly to reducing the high mortality rates associated with congenital anomalies in sub-Saharan Africa.

[1] https://www.globalhand.org/ru/organisations/34394 [2] https://my.charitableimpact.com/charities/bethany-relief-and-rehabilitation-international-canada-inc [3] https://bethany.org/bethany-around-the-world [4] https://bethanykids.org/board/ [5] https://bethanyseniors.com/about-us-2/