Founded in 1922, the mission of Sigma Theta Tau International is to support the learning, knowledge and professional development of nurses committed to making a difference in health worldwide.  The organization has over 125,000 members located in 86 countries.

Sixteen years ago, the most innovative and ambitious healthcare project in the history of South Africa, the Transnet-Phelopepha Train, was born.  Those who have witnessed its value call it the “train of hope”.

As a mobile hospital, the train provides quality primary healthcare to South African communities where health services and medical infrastructure are otherwise unavailable.  The train of hope has grown from a three-car clinic to an eighteen-car facility equipped with multiple clinics (optometry, pharmacy, dental, primary care) staff accommodations, dining room, kitchen, laundry, power and storage.

Each year, the train operates for 37 weeks, treats an estimated 45,000 individuals onboard and serves more than a million through its outreach programs into schools, villages and communities. It also provides training to volunteers in basic health care and students from tertiary institutions in dental, optometry, pharmacy, hospitality and psychology.

Rain or shine, the train covers more than 9500 miles of railroad a year, serving 250 meals a day and issuing 24,000 prescriptions.

The Train will be known as Phelophepa II and will expand the capacity of the current Phelophepa train program which currently serves 45,000 patients per year.

The AFPT applauds this new development as a second train will significantly increase the frequency and availability of the health care services offered to patients.

You can follow their efforts at www.trainofhopemovie.com and donate on their givezooks page.  You can also watch the full movie at www.trainofhope.org/movie.