Seventh-day Adventist health professionals in Angola are searching for more effective ways to counter current health challenges in African society, including the AIDS epidemic, drug and alcohol addictions, and malnutrition.  These topics topped the agenda at the first national health conference to be held by the church in Angola.

Some 200 nurses, doctors, medical students, laboratory and X-ray technicians and pharmacists, attended the event, held last month. Organizers say the main objectives of the congress were to foster unity in philosophy and purpose of Adventist health professionals, to learn about their needs and experiences, to provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, and to give health workers much-needed moral support and encouragement.

Dr. Isaac Gola, health ministries director for the Adventist Church in Angola, organized the event, which was also attended by the vice president of the Angolan parliament.