[All Africa News Agency] A major new report published by the World Council of Churches has shown that churches play a crucial role in providing health care in many African and Asian countries. It confirms that care for physical well-being continues to be an integral part of Christian mission, inspired by the ministry of Jesus himself on earth.

There is evidence of the pioneering efforts in health care made by the church throughout the world. But this report - Sustainability Of Church Hospitals In Developing Countries: A Search For Criteria For Success - also highlights the ways churches are active in health care outside of major health institutions.

Health care in many countries is facing a crisis as the continuing pressure on costs is made worse by the widespread effects of the HIV/AIDS pandemic. The church plays a vital role in co-operation with governments in ensuring that health care can be provided on a long-term basis.

In Kenya, religious organisations own 34% of the hospitals and about 20 of the beds, while in Zambia over half the hospitals are church owned. The report includes a detailed analysis of 43 hospitals in 11 counties, concluding that in many of these countries the churches are by far the most significant voluntary contributor to health care.