Hospital in Ecuador Tracks Influenza Cases to Combat Swine Flu Outbreak

May 1, 2009

Hospital in Ecuador Tracks Influenza Cases to Combat Swine Flu Outbreak

May 1, 2009

In light of the recent swine flu outbreak, HCJB Global Hands' Hospital Vozandes-Quito (HVQ) in Ecuador is tracking new flu cases and leading Ecuador in monitoring the threat of pandemic influenza.

"We've been thinking the world is ready for a flu pandemic, but we've been focusing on the avian flu," said HCJB Global missionary Dr. Richard Douce, an infectious disease specialist and resident expert on influenza in Ecuador.

He and Ecuadorian Dr. Wilson Chicaiza have been actively tracking flu cases at HVQ for nine years in collaboration with the U.S. Navy tropical medicine lab in Lima, Peru. As a result of the data collected, they have isolated two types of influenza and are now watching for the latest strain in Ecuador.

Douce said he is concerned about the swine flu outbreak for three reasons: it is happening outside the normal flu season; it is attacking young adults at a higher rate; it has already expanded from North America to Europe and now South America with a confirmed case reported Wednesday by Peruvian Health Minister Oscar Ugarte.

HVQ is taking precautionary measures since the swine flu virus could appear in Ecuador at any time. Chicaiza, Douce and other specialists are educating staff on proper procedures for handling patients exhibiting symptoms. The swine flu virus is also a type A influenza that mutates quickly and has the potential to be a pandemic.

"The goal is to contain the illness to provide time for a vaccine to be introduced," said Chicaiza. Staff members are preparing to isolate patients with suspected cases and send patients home with masks. The hospital has also ordered supplies of the antiviral medication Tamiflu, thought to combat the latest virus.

The latest strain of the swine flu virus, influenza A (H1N1), is similar to the strain in 1918 that killed 40 million people. Thankfully, vaccines, antiviral drugs and surveillance programs like the one at HVQ have radically changed world preparation and response to influenza outbreaks.

As a sentinel hospital, HVQ tracks cases in Quito and helped start an influenza surveillance program in Ecuador's largest hospital, Hospital del Beneficiencia in Guayaquil. Flu cultures are now sent from both Quito and Guayaquil to Lima for registry with the U.S. Navy laboratory.

Along with the culture, a rapid test is done at the bedside. With this test, doctors can identify Influenza A or B from the patient within 10 minutes. The viral cultures that are sent from HVQ to Lima, Peru, are subsequently sent to the Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization.

Ecuador's equatorial location makes it ideal for tracking new cases and strains of the influenza virus. No seasonal trends of influenza are present, in contrast to areas lying farther north or south with distinct winters and summers.

"It's like every month is flu season" Douce explained. "Influenza is a common infection here, but most people don't realize it." Douce and Chicaiza will continue to monitor influenza cases, a work that is essential in leading Ecuador in awareness and preparation for the potential spread of swine flu.

Director of Church & Donor Partnerships

Position Summary: The Director of Church & Donor Partnerships strengthens Reach Beyond’s ministry by cultivating purposeful, trust-based relationships with churches, pastors, donors, and mission-minded individuals. Serving as a storyteller, encourager, and connector, this role invites the Body of Christ to join in God’s mission to reach those with little or no access to the Gospel.

Working closely with the Mobilization and Development teams, this person helps raise up new workers, strengthen church partnerships, and resource strategic ministry initiatives—always with a posture of discernment, prayer, and long-term stewardship.

Location: Colorado Springs or remote

Employment Type: Full time with employer-paid benefits, including medical coverage, retirement plan, and paid time off.

What This Role Does (Core Responsibilities)

1. Church Partnership Development

This role serves as a relational bridge between Reach Beyond, churches, and missionaries.

The Director:

Maintains strong relationships with existing partner churches and develops 2–4 new church partnerships annually
Shares the vision of Reach Beyond, helping churches understand and engage with the needs of the unreached
Equips churches with resources that support missionaries and foster long-term, healthy partnerships
Collaborates closely with missionaries as they engage their sending and supporting churches

2. Donor Ministry & Stewardship

This role views donor relationships as ministry and discipleship, not transactions.

The Director:

Manages relationships with approximately 12 key donor accounts
Walks alongside donors with discernment—guiding them through education, cultivation, solicitation, and appreciation
Communicates clearly about ministry priorities, impact opportunities, and project funding goals
Maintains accurate, timely records in the donor management system to ensure thoughtful follow-up and accountability

3. Representation & Engagement

This role serves as a public voice and relational presence for Reach Beyond.

The Director:

Represents Reach Beyond at 3–5 regional or national events annually, with intentional follow-up for every connection
Communicates the story of God’s work in Reach Beyond through stage presentations, small groups, and media opportunities
Participates fully in staff meetings, chapels, retreats, and organizational prayer rhythms

4. Reporting, Collaboration & Administration

This role balances relational ministry with faithful stewardship and teamwork.

The Director:

Provides quarterly written reports tracking progress toward mobilization and development goals
Works closely with the Mobilization and Development Directors to align efforts and communicate organizational priorities
Upholds organizational policies and maintains healthy, proactive communication across teams

You must be authorized to work in the United States.

We participate in the federal E-Verify program. See more information at:

https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-right-to-work.pdf
https://reachbeyond.org/e-verify-participation.pdf

Why Join Reach Beyond? At Reach Beyond, we cultivate a culture rooted in relationship, collaboration, and dependence on God. Our mission is to see unreached people transformed in Christ through media, healthcare, and community development. As the Director of Church & Donor Partnerships, you’ll play a vital role in advancing God's mission and have the opportunity to grow personally and professionally while making a lasting global impact.

All applicants must be able to sign the Reach Beyond Statement of Faith.

Apply Now: Join us in fulfilling God’s calling to bring hope and transformation to the unreached. Complete the application here. Contact [email protected] if you have questions.