The Problem

Across Sub-Saharan Africa, the need for surgical care is profound. Each year, more than 75 million people need surgery, yet an estimated 41 million procedures go unperformed. For families in rural communities, the consequences are devastating. Conditions that are routinely survivable often become fatal when care is out of reach when it is needed most. With fewer than two surgical, anesthesia, and obstetric providers per 100,000 people, most communities lack access to this essential care. At the same time, the need extends beyond the physical. More than 500 million people in Africa remain unreached with the Gospel, and moments of illness and injury often surface deep spiritual questions of fear and suffering.

The Mission

The Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS) responds to both needs by training and discipling African Christian physicians to serve as excellent surgeons and related specialists, while sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with patients and their families. In operating rooms and hospital wards&emdash;where churches and missionaries have limited access—surgery becomes a doorway for prayer, compassion, and Gospel-centered presence.

The Solution

PAACS addresses this crisis through a dual-track training model that integrates rigorous surgical education with intentional Christian discipleship. Residents train at accredited mission hospitals across Africa, gaining hands-on experience under the mentorship of experienced faculty surgeons who model clinical excellence and Christlike service. Spiritual formation is woven throughout training through prayer, Christian community, Scripture engagement, and the Saline Process, equipping surgeons to care for the whole person—body and spirit—with humility, compassion, and respect. By training and discipling African surgeons and related specialists, PAACS prepares leaders to serve as ambassadors of Christ—advancing God's kingdom through excellence, compassion, and service.

The Impact

Through this Christ-centered approach, PAACS-trained surgeons become agents of lasting change. PAACS graduates commit to serving in underserved regions, bringing skilled surgical care and Christian witness. Beyond their own practice, 92% of alumni train other healthcare providers, and nearly 80% disciple others, multiplying both clinical capacity and Christian leadership across generations. Each PAACS-trained surgeon performs an estimated 700 procedures annually, restoring dignity, health, and wholeness.

Beyond individual patients, PAACS's impact continues to multiply. Alumni mentor younger surgeons and help build resilient healthcare systems rooted in faith and service. As they live out their calling, engaging in prayer, discipleship, and Gospel witness—so that, in all things, Christ is made known and God is glorified.

Website: https://paacs.net/