Promoting compassionate health service, prevention, wellbeing and responsible community care.
The Health Department carries an auxiliary function of the church in support of health and community wellbeing. Its mandate is to encourage health awareness, compassionate care, prevention, responsible referrals and, where AfAN operates health services, sound administration consistent with Christian values and applicable professional standards.
These responsibilities translate the mandate into consistent ministry practice, planning and accountability.
Coordinate health education and prevention initiatives appropriate to local needs.
Support awareness concerning HIV/AIDS and other significant health challenges.
Mobilise qualified health professionals for appropriate church and community programmes.
Promote maternal, child, family and community wellbeing where relevant.
Encourage timely use of professional health services and responsible referral.
Support AfAN health institutions or initiatives under appropriate governance where established.
At local church level, the Health Department can organise health education, professional screening partnerships, awareness programmes, caregiver support and referrals. Spiritual care should complement—not replace—qualified medical assessment and treatment.
Activities should be planned, budgeted, reported and evaluated within the appropriate AfAN leadership structure, with programmes remaining consistent with the church’s doctrine, vision, mission and policies.
Connect with your local AfAN leadership to learn how you can participate, volunteer, pray, give or help strengthen this area of ministry.