Getting Acquainted with Dr. Martin Salia

Jeff Bleijerveld, Director of Global Ministries

In February, I visited Sierra Leone to participate in strategic planning regarding Mattru Hospital. Also participating in those meetings was Dr. Martin Salia (right), a very skilled surgeon who works at a hospital in Freetown.

Martin comes from a United Brethren background. In the 1990s, Sierra Leone Conference sent Martin to Burkina Faso to participate in extensive training designed for producing medical missionaries. Every student was set up with a mentor. Martin was mentored by a missionary doctor with years of experience. The idea was not just developing Martin into a good surgeon, but into a follower of Christ.

The Sierra Leone Conference helped support Martin with this training, with the understanding that he would return to work at Mattru Hospital. But then the civil war occurred, and the hospital fell into chaos and disrepair. While decisions were being processed about whether or not to take him on at Mattru Hospital, Martin landed a job at the Kissie Hospital in Freetown.

Working at the same hospital is Dr. Dennis Marke, who previously worked at Mattru Hospital. Both Dr. Marke and Dr. Salia made tremendous contributions to the strategic planning, since they understand what makes an effective missions hospital.

1 Comment
  • Sylvester Yankuba.
    Posted at 08:39h, 13 November

    MY only question is that, can any donor organization assist to bring Dr. Martin back to the USA for treatment? We HAVE contacted CDC and they are willing to help but needs a donor organization like Doctors without borders to get involved as well. Dr. Martin is a permanent resident of the United States of America. His wife and kids are living in Maryland and need your urgent assistant. Thank you for your understanding on behalf of the wife Mrs. Isatu Salia.

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