Adventist Medical Group Plays Key Role in Libya-US Relations
19 November 2024 |
In a historic event, “A group of ten Adventist Medical Group educators and healthcare professionals visited universities and hospitals in Benghazi and the Green Mountain region, exploring opportunities for knowledge sharing and support for medical and educational facilities,” according to the Libya Herald.
After a decade of U.S. travel restrictions, educators from the Adventist Medical Group were able to visit Libya thanks to The National Council on U.S.-Libya Relations (NCUSLR) and the improved economic growth and security. This is not a new alliance between Adventist Medical Group and the Libyan government. As a global healthcare network, the organization has left its mark on countless regions and countries through progressive healthcare and educational facilities.
Libya is not only a part of Adventist Medical Group’s legacy as the second-largest non-profit healthcare network but is a part of Libya’s restructuring after its independence in 1951. According to the Encyclopedia of Seventh-day Adventists, “The Middle East Division was organized the same year [as their independence] and Libya was assigned to the Nile Union Mission of that division.” After years of communication and planning, Adventist Medical Group opened a 28-bed hospital in Benghazi in May 1956 and later expanded to a 160-bed hospital in 1968 to meet the growing need.
Libya has been slowly re-establishing its relationship with the U.S. after political unrest and is eager to begin the reintegration. “The NCUSLR says the delegation visit marks a renewed chapter in strengthening relations between the United States and Libya, paving the way for future collaborations in education and healthcare.”
