Six Questions to Ask About Effective Altruism and Medical Mission

Effective altruism has been a major concern about the ethics of helping others. The discussion has centered on whether the help we offer has the greatest positive impact to the world. It scrutinizes whether the intent to help others is a valid reason enough to use our resources in certain activity. Such is the ethical questions that needs to be addressed by organizations thinking of maximizing their resources to help others through a medical mission. Here are Six Questions that needs to be answered before you organize a medical mission:


1. Is the medical mission the best way to improve the health of the individual and the community at large?
Medical missions are useful when disaster strikes as the health care system is overwhelmed by the situation. Yet, in ordinary times there are existing health services that the government are offering. It might be more effective to help improve the existing health programs and services available in the community to have longer lasting impact in improving people's health and the community as well. It It is better to put your resources to a program that will provide the greatest benefit to most number of people.


2. Is the medical mission needed in the area?
Many medical missions are conducted in areas that do not match the resources available to the needs in the area. One group once went to a depressed squatters area bringing antibiotics expecting many sick children. They found many to be sick with tuberculosis but do not have the medicines for it. Because medical missions often address acute medical needs, the timing and the location are important considerations for this activities. Another location might benefit the most with what you have to offer.


3. Are the recipients the neediest people who need the service?
This question is related to the first. Medical missions are often limited in their resources. It becomes important then to ask who will receive these limited resources? Do we give these to members of the organizations only? Do we invite our family and friends? Do we cater on a first come, first serve basis? Or do we exclusively limit it to the poorest people who needs the help the most?


4. Is the "medical mission" helping the local health system?
Each locality has an existing health care system. In low-to-middle income countries (LMIC) like the Philippines, it might not be as effective as we want it. But are the medical missions we are conducting helping the system or are we competing against them? Check if there are local health centers and health workers in the area. It will be unfortunate to conduct medical missions without their participation. You might miss creating a bigger and lasting impact.


5. Is the medical mission highly dependent on donations?
Do you conduct the medical missions on a regular basis or only when the resources are available? How will this impact continuity of health care to the people? If the reason why the medical mission was done in the area is because medical services are really needed, what does it mean to provide only once in a "Blue Moon" health services to them or only when resources are available? Limited resources is better placed in programs with the greatest health outcomes for all.


6.  Is the group concern with the health of the people or are they just using it as leverage for their own purpose?
What could be the driving force for the medical mission? Some churches have conditions for the beneficiaries, they offer only medical services only after the beneficiaries have participated in a Bible Study by the group. Politicians leverage it for their election. Groups use it to promote their products. Or do they simply want to help improve the health of the most number of people regardless of nothing to gain in return?


Effective altruism does not question the intent of the people to help others. For many utilitarians like Dr. Singer, they question the impact and effectiveness of the help offered. Effective altruism, thus, puts into proper perspective how medical missions can effectively impact the health of the wider-community. Were the resources used properly? But for virtuous doctors, the question really is, can the medical missions effectively help me become a virtuous doctor? Are the medical missions the best venue in forming in me virtues that will make me an excellent doctor?  For Christian doctors, can these medical missions be the best way for us to achieve Christ-likeness? Will these activities form in me virtuous of magnificence? Do I practice generosity?

For in generosity, I am helping the best way I can to a person who needs me most.

Community Medicine makes you ask this...

I attended the National Colloquium on Community Medicine early this month. The speakers where fellow practitioners of Community Medicine. Most of them have been serving in the remote areas of developing countries like the Philippines for decades. One of the social teachings of Christianity is that the Gospels challenges us to have a preferential option for the poor. Repeatedly, the speakers noted that Jesus associated with the poor and sick. I was so captured by their thoughts and insights about their theological views and how it led them to practice medicine in geographically isolated and difficult areas. The poor and the sick is affected by the society one lives in. The doctor, therefore, must be able to consider and address the social conditions if the doctor really wants to treat the sick and poor. One important question captured my mind during that colloquium that I think every healthcare provider should consider and struggle with:

Is Christianity and Capitalism compatible?

The Philippines has an open market economy greatly influenced by the capitalist ideals of the Western world. The capitalist economy promises good life for its hardworking people. As of August 2015, the Philippine government prides itself as one of the fastest growing economy in Asia with a current annual GDP of 5.2% in Q1 and an IMF forecast of growth as high as 6.7%. However, the economic growth is not felt by the common masses as most live in poor condition. The latest SWS survey in the Q1 of 2015 shows 51% of Filipinos perceive themselves as poor. It seems the people that benefited from the growth of the economy are only the rich. The Forbes reported in 2014 that the 50 richest Filipino collectively earned almost half of the Philippine GDP. The 50 richest Pinoys earned $8.45 Billion in 2014 which is 51% of the $16.6 billion earned by the country.  Thus the cliche, the rich is getting richer and sadly the poor is becoming poorer.

The question then, how did 85% of the Filipino people who are Christians allow such injustice to take place? Regardless of affiliation, the Roman Catholic and the Protestant church have great influence in the mind and attitudes of the people. The mainline Christian teaching is to help the poor and the needy yet the Filipino people exist in a capitalist economy that seems to do the opposite? Is capitalism incompatible with the Christian teaching or is it being abused? But Jay Richards says that capitalism is the solution. If capitalism rightly drives us to do our best to produce better quality products, be competitive in a setting with equal opportunity to succeed and rid ourselves of poverty; should Christianity then blame the poor for being lazy, not competitive enough and responsible for their poor state?

What do you think?

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What makes Health Promotion Programs in Churches successful?

The Bible is replete with stories and messages about taking care of our physical health. Jesus ministering and healing the sick shows us the importance of health in our life. Throughout history, Christians have been on the forefront of promoting good health among people. Today, health promotion in churches is arguably the best health ministry local churches can implement. It is cost-efficient, sustainable and effective program available. But not all programs will become successful. 

There are certain elements that makes a health promotion in churches successful. A research done by Jane Peterson et al (Peterson, 2002) in 2002 reviewed the literature on health promotion and identified seven elements that made the program achieve its intended goals. They were able to identify the following elements of a successful health promotion ministry:

1.       Partnerships

2.       Positive health values

3.       Availability of services

4.       Access to church facilities

5.       Community-focused interventions

6.       Health behavior change

7.       Supportive social relationships

As the church year starts this month and ministry planning coming, take time to consider these elements. Reviewing our existing health ministries and ensuring these elements are present can help us achieve the desired outcomes of our programs. 

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How can we have healthy and fit pastors leading our churches?

Health Promotion and the Clergy

By Rev. Dr. Nezer A. Soriano

The Problem

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) is a growing problem but it is preventable. Globally, 38 million of the 56 million deaths worldwide are due to Non-Communicable diseases like hypertension. Around 48% of these deaths happened before a person reached 70 years old. It is estimated that 80% of premature heart disease, stroke and diabetes cases can be prevented (WHO, 2015). The best preventive way is to educate people and promote health.

A 2013 survey among United Methodist pastors in the US showed “40% of respondents are obese and 39% are overweight—much higher percentages than a demographically-matched sample of U.S. adults. Nearly 51% have high cholesterol, also much higher than comparable benchmarks” (GBOPHB, 2013).

The health education of each clergy member of a particular region will be the health promotion activity effective for this NCD program. The purpose of the campaign is to persuade hypertensive church pastors to adopt a healthy lifestyle. This is best done by teaching individuals about hypertension and equip them with skills how to prevent it.

The Solution

Health education is a health promotion strategy that works well for influencing individual behavioral change. Health education is often done with one-on-one or group or in classes. Since the target audience are individual pastors, health education is an appropriate strategy for pastors especially the hypertensive ones. These pastors often had regular regional gatherings quarterly, thus a health education activity will be feasible and doable when they gather.

The first step in planning health education is to undertake a situational analysis (ILEP, 2015). It is important to identify problems which health education interventions are needed. Among clergy, the problem might be the high number of pastors who have uncontrolled hypertension. After identifying the problem, the next step would be to decide which kind of intervention is best to achieve the objective (ILEP, 2015). In this step, it is important to identify the target group and know their characteristics including age, education and behavior. For the pastors, uncontrolled hypertension may be concentrated among high risk male pastors age 40 to 55 years old. Health education activities may then be directed towards educating them of the importance of reducing the modifiable risk factors of NCDs including weight loss, physical activity, cholesterol level and drinking/smoking habits.

The next step in planning health education is to know what kind of intervention is to be given (ILEP, 2015). This includes choosing what message to emphasize and what medium to use. For the pastors who regularly read their Bibles, a reading pamphlet with Bible verses or a devotion guide integrated with health facts about hypertension will be an effective tool. This can also be used as cues for adopting a healthy lifestyle. Part of the strategy is to consider the advantages and disadvantages of the interventions to be used. Lastly, evaluating the health education interventions should also be done to evaluate the effectiveness of the strategy in reducing hypertension cases among the clergy. 

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The girl effect: The clock is ticking

Early teenage pregnancy is a problem in our country that needs attention. In my practice, I have met a 12 year old girl pregnant with her second baby. How can a child take care of another child? Imagine yourself, what were you doing when you were 12?

One of the things that greatly affects our society is the rising number of unwanted early pregnancy. Young women as early as age 8 are being  readied for arranged marriages. This is a tall matter as culture plays a big factor here. However, health promotion and educating the community can help them understand the health implications of such practices. We need to do something as a body of Christ. The clock is ticking.

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Join the AIDS Candle Light Memorial Ceremony 2015

The number of HIV cases in the Philippines is rising. It is expected to rise in the following months. Last February 2015, there are 646 new cases reported which is 33% higher than the previous year. But another fact that people tend to forget is that 17 people died because of AIDS on the same month raising the number to 1,149 total deaths since 1984. Deaths that could have been prevented if appropriate care were given them. Remember, HIV can be prevented. And so for them and for their families and friends, we remember them on May 15, 2015. On that same day, we also show our support for a better future for People Living with HIV and AIDS.

Let us show our support. Remember them in your prayers. Let us be the church that expresses God's love for everyone.

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Join the Church Health Ministry FB Group Page to know other church health ministries.  
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How can the church help address non-communicable diseases (NCDs)?

The rising number of non-communicable disease (NCDs) is a global health challenge. According to WHO, non-communicable diseases account for 38 million of the 56 million deaths each year. That is more than half of the cause. This includes cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes and chronic lung diseases. Of all death due to NCDs in low to middle income countries, 48% were considered premature deaths as they occurred before the age of 70. More than 80% of premature heart disease, stroke and diabetes can be prevented (WHO, 2015).

In the church community, clergy are not spared from NCD. A 2013 survey among United Methodist pastors in the US showed “40% of respondents are obese and 39% are overweight—much higher percentages than a demographically-matched sample of U.S. adults. Nearly 51% have high cholesterol, also much higher than comparable benchmarks” (GBOPHB, 2013).

Here in the Philippines, of the total deaths in 2008, “57% are due to the ‘fatal four’ NCDs, namely cardiovascular disease, cancer, diabetes, and chronic respiratory disease. It is estimated that 35 to 50 percent of NCD deaths occurred before age 60 years. (WPRO, 2015). Aside from modifiable death, NCD is cause of poverty and hindrance to economic development. A growing number of individuals, families and communities has been burdened by this problem. Common modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, inactivity, obesity, raised blood pressure, sugar and cholesterol underlie the major NCDs. (WPRO, 2015).

In a local survey we did among pastors in the United Methodist Church in the Visayas, it showed that all clergy respondents were found to have at least 1 risk factor for developing NCD. Most of them are either hypertensive or overweight.
Health promotion can address the problem brought by Non-communicable diseases. Health promotion empowers people to take control of their health (WHO, 1986) The NCD threat can be overcome using existing knowledge. The solutions are highly cost-effective. Comprehensive and integrated action at country level, led by governments, is the means to achieve success. (WHO, 2015)

Health promotion requires all sectors to cooperate in creating an environment conducive to health.  This is something the religious sector can do. Health promotion should be the focus of church health ministries. Health education and information is one subject area of health promotion (WHO, 1986). Increasing people’s knowledge about health gives them a good foundation for making health choices. Churches can be the venue for health education.

Health promotion also can also increase access to health. Health promotion advocates for health policies in the local, regional and national level. Churches can even have their own policies advocating for health. Example will be the kind of food served during church potluck or fellowships. Health promotion also includes promotion of healthy behavior patterns. Churches are in a position to influence their members to take care of their body by avoiding healthy risk behaviors. Health promotion can also occur in strengthening networks with other organizations as a social support for each other in maintaining good health of the community (WHO, 1986).

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How to start a Christian church health ministry?

Church leaders and pastors always have an idea about starting a health care ministry to the community. There are many different ways to do a health care ministry. The most important Christian health ministry the church can do is health promotion. An example of a health promotion program is the “Getting to Zero” campaign on HIV and AIDS. Churches and faith-based organizations like the NCCP, World Vision, UMCOR, Red Hat and Micah Challenge, advocates for this ministry.

But how do we start a health ministry? Below is an adapted strategy from Saddleback Church we implemented in several local churches.  Here are 5 simple steps you can do:

1.       Learn about the issue.
·         Know about the health needs of the community.
·         Review resources and similar programs addressing this health concern.
·         Talk to your pastor and get his support. The program will not work without church leadership support.

2.       Assemble your team.
·         Talk to your congregation and share the scriptural foundation of the health ministry you are planning.
·         Identify key persons and the responsibilities they will perform.

3.       Meeting and tasking
·         Meet your team. Meet regularly for updates.
·         Delegate the task to your team mates.
·         Planning starts here. Set a date for launch.
·         Meet with other groups working on the same health issue. Collaborative work is important.

4.       Introduce the program to the church.
·         This is where you start making a buzz in the church about the new health program.
·         Start campaigning and get people excited about the program.

5.       Launch the program.
·         Implement the plans and strategies you have developed.

These steps are general in scope and can be used in any other similar church health program. These are not meant to be definitive but are guides to get you started. Getting everybody involved and talking with them is key to the success of starting a health care program.

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Why churches must move beyond doing medical missions?

Last week, I was invited to join a medical mission in celebration of a church anniversary. I politely declined. The organizers insisted that I reconsider because the date is fast approaching and most doctors they have approached also declined. She wondered what was the reason doctor's often do not join medical missions anymore. I wrote about this previously so I shared to her the 3 reasons why doctors don't join medical missions.

For the same reasons, churches must move beyond this approach and "level up" their Christian health care ministries. Here are three reasons why:

1. There is a better health care ministry. "Better" means there is an approach to health ministry that addresses the current health concerns of individuals and communities. Medical missions have their own place and purpose but it has limitations. If we want to have churches that ministers with impact to the needs of the people, we must shift to a better ministry.

2. It is not sustainable. Medical missions are usually one-and-done events. It is a Band-Aid approach to health care system problem that has a deep wound. Churches need to empower people and communities to take control of their own health. This ensures the health impact of the ministry is sustainable beyond the life of the event.

3. It is not the strength of the church.  There are different health activities in the health spectrum. Medical missions are usually secondary health care activities performed by professional healthcare workers. How many of them are members of the church ready to volunteer their service? It is not surprising that outside volunteers are needed, sometimes hired. Med missions are useful in situations where the health care system is disrupted or absent like during disasters. This is actually the primary function of the state. I wonder how many med missions are coordinated with the state. The church has a role in people's health, that is primary health care. Researches have shown that the Christian health care programs are effective and efficient in health promotion and disease prevention activities.

The church must continue to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ in ministering to the sick and needy. The church must do its work excellently and responsibly. Churches must have better health care ministries that are sustainable and appropriate to the needs of the people.

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Welcome to Theology and Medicine

This blog will share about my reflections about matters concerning church ministries on health, faith and spirituality and the practice of medicine. As I am involved in faith-based organizations doing health ministries, I would like to share some insights in the work that we do as a church. I will also share relevant concepts and principles on family and community medicine which is my specialty.

I hope to be able to encourage churches, para-churches and faith-based organizations to continue the work of Jesus Christ in touching lives of the people and bringing change towards a full life (John 10:10).

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Join the Church Health Ministry FB Group Page to know other church health ministries.  
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