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Africa

Global Health
Staff with the Zimbabwe Entomological Support Program in Malaria stand inside the insectary at Africa University in Mutare, Zimbabwe, during a rededication of its research lab on Aug. 27. The program was shut down earlier this year after funding from USAID was suspended. From left are Sungano Mharakurwa, Vuyisile Mthokozisi Mathe, Joseph Makanda, Fanuel Toto, Hieronymo Masendu, Petros Kawadza and Violla Chimwayi. Photo by Ben Smith, UM News.

Africa University restarts malaria program

With funding support from the United Methodist Board of Global Ministries, Africa University reopened a research lab after the U.S. aid withdrawal left life-saving work in jeopardy.
Bishops
All 14 active bishops in Africa and three retired bishops pose for a photo at the Africa Colleges of Bishops meeting, held Sept. 1-4 in Luanda, Angola. During the gathering, the bishops celebrated The United Methodist Church’s growth on the continent and affirmed their commitment to church unity. Photo by Geraldo Martins, West Angola Conference.

African bishops celebrate growth, affirm unity

The 17 bishops at the 2025 Africa Colleges of Bishops meeting pledged their support for regionalization as “a faithful and strategic path forward.”
Global Health
The Rev. Sunny Brown Farley, coordinator of the United Methodist Global AIDS Committee, helps cut the ribbon on a new house built for a mother living with HIV in Rwanda. Joining in the festivities are neighboring women and the Rev.  Donald E. Messer, a member of the United Methodist Global AIDS Committee. Photo courtesy of Donald E. Messer.

Global AIDS addresses needs in Africa

Workshop participants in Kenya express fear that progress toward ending AIDS could be reversed by loss of U.S. funding.
Theology and Education
Students dance with joy after a worship service at Dindi Mission’s primary school in Mutawatawa, Zimbabwe. At left is Fungai Chimuti, the school’s headmaster. A new boarding facility for the mission’s schools is helping address high dropout rates and other challenges. Photo by Kudzai Chingwe, UM News.

Mission school offers hope to vulnerable students

A new low-cost boarding school is giving more students access to education in the communities surrounding United Methodist Dindi Mission.

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