What Impact Do Medical Christian Missions Have on Global Health?

A powerful example of this impact comes from a home for street children where Sisters of the Cross (formerly Sisters of Compassion) and GFA World workers taught the importance of handwashing to reduce the spread of disease. The street children faced high mortality rates due to poor hygiene and the difficult conditions of their lives. During the visit, workers distributed soap and provided essential hygiene lessons. One 18-year-old, Hitanshu, shared, “I was living like a savage animal and did not care about my body. No one taught me anything about a healthy lifestyle, but today I have learned a lot.”[2] His response reflects the transformative power of simple health education, which provides a chance at better health and a brighter future for children who have long been neglected.

Beyond individual testimonies, GFA World’s handwashing programs have a far-reaching impact. In areas with high rates of illness, regular educational efforts help families adopt effective hygiene practices that significantly reduce the spread of infections. According to CDC data, proper handwashing can reduce absenteeism in schoolchildren by up to 57%,[3] a crucial improvement for those for whom gaining an education is so vital. By equipping communities with knowledge and practical skills, GFA World is helping break the cycle of sickness that traps many in poverty.