Mbeere ACK Diocese Partners With SHA To Strengthen Healthcare

The Bishop’s mission went beyond pastoral care. It was about building bridges between faith and healthcare, recognizing that the wellbeing of the body and spirit are inseparable. He was warmly received by SHA Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mercy Mwangangi, Chairman Dr. Abdi Muhammed, senior management staff, and Dr. Thuranira, who serves as the President’s Advisor on Health.

Accompanying Bishop Masamba were Rt. Revd Dr. Joseph K. Kibucwa, Bishop of the ACK Diocese of Kirinyaga, Rt. Revd Dr. David Nkabu, Bishop of the ACK Diocese of Meru, and senior management staff from ACK Mt. Kenya Hospital in Kerugoya. Their presence underscored the regional weight of the church’s commitment to healthcare.

The discussions at SHA centred on how church and government  can work hand in hand with national institutions to expand reach and ease the pressure on public ensuring all people are able to access healthcare and how faith-base hospitals can closely collaborate with government. For decades, faith-based hospitals like ACK Mt. Kenya have been lifelines for rural communities, offering affordable, compassionate, and accessible care.

Dr. Mwangangi praised the initiative, noting that churches are uniquely placed to deliver health messages and services due to the deep trust they command within communities. She said faith-based hospitals can be vital partners in preventive health, maternal care, and public health education.

Bishop Masamba spoke passionately about the church’s calling to heal. “The mission of the church is holistic caring for the soul, the mind, and the body. Through these partnerships, we are not only preaching hope but also providing health and dignity to our people,” he said.

Key areas of collaboration discussed included training medical personnel, resource mobilization, and expanding the capacity of church-run hospitals. The leaders agreed that the combined influence of the church and health experts could go a long way in tackling issues such as non-communicable diseases, maternal health challenges, and mental health gaps.

The meeting was described as both pastoral and practical, bringing together two worlds that must work hand in hand. By blending spiritual care with professional medical services, the church and SHA leaders painted a vision of a healthier, more resilient Kenya.

As the visit concluded, optimism filled the room. The partnership sealed at SHA headquarters promises to open a new chapter of collaboration where faith meets health, a partnership that brings hope closer to the people and strengthens the nation’s journey toward universal healthcare.