In today’s world people are ever more affected by violence. We have situation of refugees, civil unrest and urban violence. Working to support people affected by violence is important work conducted by MMMs. In countries like Brazil MMMs face situations of urban violence. Other countries in Africa, like South Sudan, are emerging from periods of civil unrest. As well as providing health services, MMMs also conduct outreach programmes. These include visits to the local communities and work in prisons.
Recently in Brazil MMM spearheaded a project, “Projeto Consolacao”. This was a support for families grieving from the loss of a loved one due to assassinations. Families received support in coping with the trauma caused by violent death. They were also offered human rights awareness. With this awareness they have the courage and resources to follow the legal process in seeking justice. This Project was successfully integrated into the local parish ministry.
In East and West Africa Capacitar training is offered. This is an international network of empowerment and solidarity. It helps people cope with trauma and empowers them to heal and overcome injustice to create a more peaceful world.
MMMs are involved in projects to improve and develop clean accessible water supplies. Water harvesting projects are in operation to help local communities along with education programmes on how to harvest rainwater safely. Community seminars are offered to help support the local people and educate them about the importance of water in preventing illness and the spread of disease.
Creating small gardens, seed sharing and learning about horticulture are ways of addressing food security issues. Skills and tools are provided to the community.
There are many social, economic and environmental factors negatively impacting people in the communities MMMs serve. As needed, MMMs help the local community address issues and improve quality of life.
These varied and integrated services provided in the hospitals/clinics and in outpatient delivery include but are not limited to:
- Immunisations/Vaccinations
- Antenatal & maternity care
- TB (Direct observation treatment)
- Laboratory services
- Nutrition clinics
- Rehabilitation and counseling clinics
- HIV/AIDS testing, referral and education
- Palliative care
- Counter Human trafficking services
- Pastoral care and home visits
- Hospital Chaplaincy
- Prison visits
- Counseling for Students
- Complementary Therapies
- Geriatric Care
- Gender and Race equality awareness
- Vesico Vaginal Fistula Rehabilition
- Youth Health
MMM serves in four geographic regions (East Africa, West Africa, the Americas and Europe). The Sisters own or manage various hospitals, health care clinics and primary care centres. The variety of health care services provided is based on the needs of the local community. Prevention of illness and disease is as important as treatment.
Specific programmes are developed to address the needs of the local people. For example, unfortunately in East and West Africa, there are many women who suffer from Obstetric Fistula (VVF and RVF). This happens with prolonged labour in childbirth. Usually these women have had no antenatal care.
Obstetric fistula causes involuntary and often painful discharge of urine or faeces into the vaginal vault. It is a preventable condition. Treatment and rehabilitation involves surgery. It also fuels efforts in antenatal and maternity services along with raising awareness.
MMMs are actively engaged in the delivery of services including the prevention or relief of sickness, disease or human suffering in various ways. Serving in over 11 countries, MMMs are assisting with illness, diseases and social challenges unique to the specific location. The MMMs work with the local community to identify what most needs to be done and to build on the strengths of the existing resources. Objectives are set with goals to respond to the particular area and what impacts people there the most. No two locations services are exactly alike and change is always being monitored and addressed.
MMMs are global medical missionaries Sisters. We make a difference in the world by bringing healing to those in most need. The Congregation’s name is the Medical Missionaries of Mary. This means that, like Mary, we go in haste to care for the most vulnerable. We provide holistic healthcare with a particular care for women and children. As Missionaries we are “sent forth” to serve in our world, often deeply and violently divided.
In 1937 by Dublin-born Mother Mary Martin founded the Congregation. She responded to the need she saw as a young lay missionary in Nigeria. Today we strive to ease poverty and suffering throughout the world, inspired by the same Gospel values. Most MMMs train in professions linked to some area of healthcare or social services. This gives us specific skills to bring to the communities we serve. Our particular concern is the health of mothers and children and the promotion of family life.
Today we are over 300 members of the Congregation. We carry on the vision of Mother Mary Martin, present among peoples of other cultures, religions and ideologies. We create medical, social and religious projects which enhance the quality of life for people who are suffering. We are funded by Donor agencies, individuals, families and groups. We also receive help from governments of various countries as well as service-user fees. We are deeply grateful to all these donors who enable us to provide health care and other social programmes.
Today, any concept of Mission today involves collaboration. We work with other organizations and institutions in our relief of suffering and care for our planet. MMM Associates and co-workers work with the Sisters to create a world of justice, love and peace.
MMMs provide different services at different locations in response to local needs. We provide quality, affordable health care to those who most need it. We work to empower local people to take responsibility for their own health.
The Resource section offers content on the MMM journey including additional information, obituaries and archived content.
Worldwide MMM Sisters operate in areas of the world with the greatest need for health and healing care. Locations are places where MMMs are invited to communities by the local leadership to provide holistic and healing resources. Various medical missionary work is provided according to the needs of the local people. There are no two MMM locations alike. The services provided are determined by what the people locally need and what resources are possible.
Community based primary healthcare services with a focus on women and children in conjunction with governmental and church agencies takes place globally. While MMMs are present in 11 countries in the world currently there are several countries that MMM served in the past but have since left. The goal of the MMM missions is to help a community become self-sufficient, so training is provided to the local people allowing the MMMs to move on to a new location over time. MMM has been in 21 different countries since they began in 1937.
MMMs sometimes get called up to respond to emergency situations in parts of the world they have not been to before as a special mission. MMM members together with the associates are present in 17 countries in the world currently to meet the needs of the communities,
MMM Sisters currently operate in four major geographic regions:
Click on the geographic region to learn more.
Footprints
MMMs have left their footprints in many parts of the world. As missionaries, our aim is to work ourselves out of a job as quickly as possible. When we have established health services, working with local people and other NGOs, and when we are assured that the work can continue without us, we move on to places of greater need.
Milestones
From the seedling of an idea to expansion and growth MMM follows the pattern of all organic systems. In this section you will follow the development of MMM from its origins in our Foundress, Marie Martin, to its present day international presence both in location and membership. Enjoy our story!.
