Faith and Medicine Summit Held in Kijabe, Kenya

The Faith and Medicine Summit, held on October 31st and November 1st, 2024, at AIC Kijabe, Kenya, brought together 55 participants from diverse healthcare sectors to explore the integration of spiritual care within the African healthcare context. The summit addressed the unique spiritual needs of patients, emphasizing a holistic approach to healthcare that encompasses physical, emotional, and spiritual dimensions. Key sessions included discussions on defining spiritual needs, understanding African theology of pain, suffering & evil, the importance of spiritual engagement for both patients and healthcare providers, spiritual care training and research, and institutionalization of spiritual care. Participants highlighted the necessity of culturally relevant training and institutional support to effectively incorporate spiritual care as standard healthcare practice. The summit concluded with a commitment to advancing spiritual care through collaborative efforts, research, and training.