From Dr. George Mulcaire-Jones
March 4, 2008

We finally got Internet connectivity outside of Abuja. Our Internet connections where we have been working in Nigeria have been shaky, and, sadly, we are not able to blog or post pictures as much as we would like. So here's a quick update. Training is going great. We had a good visit with the Deputy Secretary General, Catholic Secretariat of the Nigerian Catholic Conference of Bishops (NCCB). The Catholic Secretariat is the administrative arm of the (NCCB) that oversees more than 320 health facilities in Nigeria and provides some 40 percent of the health care here. Thus, the meeting with the Deputy Secretary was important. He is really impressed with AFMED/Safe Passages and its possibilities. They have elevated AFMED/Safe Passages to a major program within the Secretariat's Health Committee.

There is a paradox here of great poverty, challenges and yet great hope. I am impressed again an again how the people we interact with, especially the Christian community, are reaching out to those in need. I think we can all be pleased with the efforts that have been made and at the same time realize there is so much more to do. Peace and thanks to everyone.