Pan-African Academy of Christian Surgeons (PAACS) is a strategic response to the desperate need for surgeons in Africa. This non-denominational, multi-national, service organization seeks to train African physicians to become surgeons that remain in Africa, helping to meet this great need. Through PAACS, these residents are discipled so that they can share the love and Gospel of Jesus with their patients. This comprehensive training/discipling is offered at many well-established evangelical mission hospitals in Africa, where residents learn from experienced, board-certified, missionary surgeons.
PAACS website PAACS Annual Reports
Our Partnership
In 2021, FAIR and PAACS became ministry partners. This partnership helps support the ministry of Fellowship International missionaries Dr. Jesh and Julie Thiessen at the Good News Hospital in Madagascar. A surgical residency program has been launched in Mandritsara with the goal of training local doctors to international standards in order to provide urgent surgical care for the people of Madagascar.
Current Opportunities
Out of the Waiting Room appeal
With less than 100 surgeons serving the country's population of 26 million, the people of Madagascar face the reality that they may not have access to surgical care in an emergency. Through the training program being established in partnership with PAACS, national physicians will receive the training necessary to provide excellent care and share the Gospel in the process. Funds donated to the Out of the Waiting Room appeal are being used towards the the salary, housing, and educational, and associated costs related to surgical training and biblical discipleship.
For more information on how you can contribute to this initiative, click here.
Fellowship Churches Responding
Between 2021 and 2023, through the generosity of many Fellowship churches and donors, FAIR has been able to send more than $100,000 to PAACS. This has enabled FAIR to begin funding the first class of surgical residents who will complete their five-year program by 2026. Our desire is to see this program continue with new residency students for years to come.