Dr. Bill McKelvie and Sheila McKelvie - Pakistan

Presbyterians Sharing provides support for Dr. Bill McKelvie, a physician working in various medical ministries with the Diocese of Hyderabad, Church of Pakistan, since 1988. In 1995, he started at tuberculosis (TB) control program which now operates six centres.

Bill writes, “There has been a cure for TB for more than 50 years. Yet, every year, 1.5 million people die of this disease. Millions more are disabled and impoverished. The cure is there, but it requires more than just handing out drugs. It requires getting close to people and finding out what their needs are.”

Like those with leprosy, TB patients often feel ashamed of having the disease. For many, it is problematic to take their medication or to complete their treatment once it has begun. The challenge for the TB program is to ensure that these patients complete their treatment. Since the program began, cure rates have risen to almost 90%.

In 2008, the program changed its name to Sahara Community Health Association (SaCHA) and expanded its ministry to include other projects: HIV/AIDS education to high risk groups, a traditional birth attendant training program was started and tentatively a childhood nutrition program. The program also went under national staff leadership which Bill developed during his tenure. He will continue to encourage national leadership in SaCHA and develop new medical ministries for SaCHA and other Christian groups.

Sheila is coordinator for Interserve's International orientation program (E2S). She administers this program and participants in the training as well. The programs are held 3 times a year somewhere in Asia and/or the Arab World. When at home in Pakistan Sheila is involved with ladies and children's ministries in the church as will as caring for the many visitors that come through their home.

Bill and Sheila have three children. Daniel (1986) who is married to Amanda, Rebecca (1990) and Mark (1990).