160 years of compassionate healthcare

In recognition of The Salvation Army’s 160^th anniversary on Founders’ Day (2 July) this year, International Headquarters (IHQ) has created eight short videos chronicling the vast and varied mission of the global Salvation Army over the past 160 years, with one video being released each week, beginning 5 June.

READ MORE: Check out earlier videos focused on themes of church and charity, emergency relief, modern slavery and human trafficking, and social justice.

On Founders’ Day last week, IHQ in London, along with Salvation Army centres around the world, celebrated 160 years of The Salvation Army’s global mission. Salvationists, employees, volunteers, ecumenical leaders and others gathered for the occasion.

READ MORE: Check out the 160th anniversary celebration and IHQ, and view the video on education.

The next video in the celebration series focuses on The Salvation Army’s work in healthcare around the world.

Compassionate healthcare

For almost as long as The Salvation Army has existed, it has operated health services.

In the early days of The Salvation Army, there were many different health-related initiatives in the East End of London.

Salvation Army midwives could be found in the refuges or ‘rescue homes’ where vulnerable pregnant women sought shelter and care.

Other early programs included ‘slum maternity work’ and district nursing. It was from these humble beginnings that a network of hospitals, clinics and community health programmes evolved all over the world.

The Salvation Army now operates 24 hospitals, 127 healthcare facilities and a number of mobile clinics around the world.

Click here to learn more about The Salvation Army International Health Services.

Watch the video below to learn more about The Salvation Army hospital in Chikankata, southern Zambia.