Order of Saint Lazarus The Hereditary Commandery of Saint Severin, in cooperation with the Grand Bailiwick of Austria and Help Godenu International, has begun construction of the Saint Lazarus Hospital Godenu in Ghana, West Africa. The project is carried out under the patronage of the Grand Master, Don Francisco de Borbón y Hardenberg.
The need
The hospital will serve as a first-aid and emergency facility for approximately 50,000 people in the immediate and surrounding area. Road conditions there are difficult, and deteriorate further once the rainy season begins. Waiting for an ambulance from the nearest provincial hospital can take up to two hours — long enough that emergency care close to home is not a convenience but a necessity.
The work
The facility is designed to stabilise emergency cases on site until transport to a larger hospital can be arranged. Under Ghanaian regulations, a doctor and further personnel are provided by the government once a hospital has been built — so the construction itself is the decisive step. Construction costs are estimated at approximately €120,000, with the equipment requirement still being evaluated.
Why this place
The Order has cared for the sick since the twelfth century, beginning with those whom no one else would treat. A first-aid hospital in rural West Africa continues that line of work in a place where the distance between an emergency and a doctor is measured in hours.
How to support
The project is coordinated by Help Godenu International. Enquiries about supporting the hospital can be directed to help-godenu.org, or write to office@stlazarus.es to discuss a partnership through the Order.
