In the last few weeks, life has been turned on its head as countries around the world have been feeling the strains of COVID-19 from death tolls to job cuts, travel restrictions and more. Healthcare providers (HCPs) around the world have been and are working tirelessly to try and heal those afflicted by the virus as well as prevent others from contracting it.

Virus trackers show African countries among the ones with lowest numbers of people afflicted. While that could be attributed to a lack of testing or reporting, the bottom line remains that no one is immune. HCPs are facing a tremendous pressure that seems to continue mounting with the virus case numbers. Hospitals in Togo are no exception to that.

Many missionary doctors and nurses serving overseas face unique obstacles based on cultural and environmental differences in healthcare. Short term and visiting HCPs are relied upon to come and share some of the workload which provides periods of rest for the residing Togolese and missionary medical staff. Hôpital Baptiste Biblique (HBB) began feeling a squeeze in mid-March when the USA began issuing travel restrictions. Short term HCPs suddenly had to cancel their trips meaning the in-house medical staff needed to go from working “regular” hours and shifts to working around the clock to keep patients cared for while also preparing the hospital for possible onslaught of COVID-19 patients.

Though there are still no confirmed cases of COVID-19 at HBB, the stress level is high. HBB currently has a 50-bed capacity. Months before the outbreak, the HBB Vision Project began. This project is designed to upgrade equipment and expand the buildings making it possible for HBB to more effectively serve the Togolese in higher numbers. However, even construction has been affected by the government’s restrictions since the president of Togo announced a 3-month country lockdown on April 2. This heavily restricts both international and domestic travel. The staff continues to pray for a quick end to the virus but is also committed to pressing on by trusting God for His provision.

Hannah Strayer is a missionary using media on the field to communicate stories of need with others God may be calling to help resolve them. You can learn more about her or begin partnering with her today! You can also follow her on social media (just scroll to the very bottom of this page!)

Judy Bowen oversees the Communications Resource Center, which is responsible for translating Christian materials into French and Ewe. They also write and print their own tracts, booklets, and other evangelistic tools.