Our Story

Mark and Doreen Babo have a heart for the people of the world suffering with malaria and other medical problems and without access to quality care or the means to afford it.  Every day an estimated 21,000 children under five die and so many of these deaths could be prevented if there were health facilities within reach – physically and financially.  They have seen countries in the world where people must walk for hours or borrow bus fare to get to a health facility – only to arrive too late for their problem to be adequately resolved.  The need for quality health facilities, preventative health programs like immunizations and prenatal care and trained medical professionals prepared for caesarian sections and other complications of deliveries is great.

Mark and Doreen believe in using their skills and answering the call to be the hands and feet of Christ to bring hope and health to those who are hurting.  After spending time training in Swaziland and realizing that God uses any skill that is surrendered to Him, they answered a call to move to Kenya and develop a medical clinic and rural community development program.  From there, they moved to Nigeria two years later in 1989 and began developing hospitals and training national doctors and nurses.  Today, they have developed and oversee the operations of three hospitals in Nigeria (Benin City, Uyo and Abuja), have a Family Medicine residency program and Hospital Administration training program, and partner with numerous organizations around the world to promote improved quality of healthcare and training of health professionals.

The Babos have been recognized as Alumni of the Year from their alma mater, Oral Roberts University. Mark has been inducted into the Hall of Fame for the College of Science and Engineering, recognized for his volunteer work by UC Davis, Kaiser Health Foundation and Ochsner Medical Foundation, and awarded alumnus of the year by In His Image Family Medicine Residency.  Doreen has been recognized by Tulane University and by New Orleans’ City Business for innovations in teaching health systems management in developing countries.  Dr. Mark Babo is a fellow in the American Academy of Family Physicians and Dr. Doreen Babo holds a doctorate in Public Health, specializing in global health systems management.

Mark and Doreen say this work clearly is a greater blessing to give than it is to receive; to know that you have had a part in saving a life is the greatest joy!