Faith Alive Foundation, Nigeria
From a Marketplace Table to a Full-Scale Hospital
Dr. Chris Isichei
The Faith Alive Foundation began directly outside of a Jos, Nigeria marketplace in 1996 when a physician, Dr. Chris Isichei, sat behind a table and began offering free medical advice each day after work. Dr. Chris quickly became known for his devotion and skill, and his practice soon outgrow his table. Beginning with only $330 to his name, he was soon was able to start building a small free clinic. With dedicated staff and the help of donors, the clinic has since grown into a three-story fully free hospital that boasts two satellite locations, serves tens of thousands of patients per year and employs dozens of full and part-time staff.
Dr. Mark Stephen
Sewing Vocational Training Class
While Faith Alive has become a full-scale hospital that offers free medical services ranging from HIV testing to surgical oncology, the organization has maintained its focus on meeting the holistic needs of the person. Patients needing vocational training attend sewing, knitting, hair-braiding, arts and crafts, or computer skills-building schools offered by the center. Patients without a home are provided with transitional housing. Dr. Chris does not take a salary from the hospital, and other staff members often donate much of their pay. The hospital currently runs on donations supplied by these staff members, patients and outside donors.