Dr. Richard Arjun Kaul and the Spine Africa Project

The Spine Africa ProjectThe Spine Africa Project is a non-profit

health initiative created by Dr. Richard Arjun Kaul, a U.S. medical doctor that specializes in minimally-invasive spinal surgery.

Dr. Richard Kaul’s own personal experiences with loss and struggle, and a trip to the Democratic Republic of Congo in 2008, inspired him to help others in challenging situations.

The Spine Africa Project works in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where many citizens lack access to clean health facilities and proper medical treatment.Those in the DRC that undergo spinal surgeries are at a high risk for dangerous infections as a result of inadequate resources.

Those in the DRC in need of spinal surgeries are further challenged by the country’s lack of

disability leave, and experience surgeries that are highly invasive.

Many jobs in the DRC are labor-intensive, which further elevates the consequences of physical

ailments like spine injuries.

The civil war that has been raging in the DRC for years, considered the deadliest war in modern African history, has significantly contributed to the prevalence of spinal injuries and the country’s high rate of mortality after spinal surgery.

The Spine Africa Project Mission

The Spine Africa Project aims to:

1.) Provide citizens access to free spinal healthcare.

2.) Educate local healthcare workers in best practices for treating spinal patients.

3.) Inspire positive change throughout DRC communities.

The Spine Africa Project is now in its 6th year of service to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Dr. Richard

Kaul and his team continue to make trips to the DRC to treat patients out

of the Panzi Hospital.