Our Beginnings…

Founded in 1989, Friends of Africa, Inc. began when two physicians were brought together by faith and a common goal to provide quality health care to poor women. While studying in Europe, Groesbeck P. Parham, M.D., learned of of the world renown African (Sudanese) gynecologic surgeon, Dr. Abbo Hassan Abbo. After requesting and receiving permission to study under Dr. Abbo, Dr. Parham journeyed to the Sudan where he worked in the clinics and surgical theatres of the Khartoum Teaching Hospital learning how to repair pelvic defects caused by female genital mutilation. As an expression of gratitude for what he was taught Dr. Parham returned to the U.S. and raised funds to build a new hospital for women in the Sudan. He received support from prominent individuals in the community: Hollywood actor Avery Brooks, California Congresswoman Maxine Waters, the late world renown sculptor Tina Allen, Lillian Mobley and The Black Women’s Forum of Los Angeles, Dr. Gus Gill of the Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science and Ophelia Long of the National Black Nurses Association. As such, the basis was established for today’s Friends of Africa, Inc.

Vision

The Friends of Africa, Inc. is committed to reducing cervical cancer mortality in Africa

Mission

The Friends of Africa, Inc. endeavors to build innovative cervical cancer prevention systems in resource-constrained environments utilizing  modern telecommunications technology and hands-on training.