Founder of HIV and Care Facility Honored with Honorary Doctorate Degree
Monsignor Alex Bobby-Benson, the founder of Mathew 25 House, a care facility for HIV and AIDS patients, has been honored with an Honorary Doctorate Degree in public service by Providence College, a Catholic Dominican University in Rhode Island, USA.
Conferment of award
During the university’s 105th graduation ceremony in 2023, Monsignor Bobby-Benson, a Catholic priest, was recognized for his unwavering commitment to serving God and humanity, particularly the vulnerable and underprivileged in society, throughout the years.
Dr. Ann Manchester-Molak, the Vice President of the College, emphasized that his life serves as a remarkable example of dedication to others, which aligns perfectly with the core values of Providence College.
The citation presented to him described him as a living embodiment of Christian ideals, demonstrating humility, charity, and mercy in answering the call to love the least among us.
About the Founder of HIV and Care Facility
Monsignor Benson established the Mathew 25 House in Koforidua, Ghana, several decades ago during the height of the HIV and AIDS fight.
The facility provides care and support for marginalized HIV and AIDS patients, as well as orphans and vulnerable children who have lost their parents to the disease.
The Mathew 25 House stands as a leading Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) offering shelter, medical care, food, clothing, and educational support to affected individuals in the Eastern region of Ghana.
Monsignor Benson’s devotion to this cause was sparked by his experiences as a chaplain at the ST Dominic hospital in Akwatia, Ghana, where he witnessed the suffering of HIV-infected persons.
Driven by his passion for caring for People Living with HIV and AIDS (PLHIV) and orphans, Monsignor Benson established a subsidiary, Clinical and Pastoral Education, to train seminarians and laypersons on effectively caring for people with terminal illnesses.
Additionally, he initiated the construction of a multi-million-dollar hospice, the first of its kind in Ghana and the sub-region.
The naming of the facility, Mathew 25 House, was inspired by a biblical verse that emphasizes the importance of helping those in need.
MTN Heroes of change
In recognition of his humanitarian efforts, Monsignor Benson was awarded the second position in the MTN Heroes of Change award in 2017, which acknowledges individuals who have made significant contributions to their communities and shown personal sacrifices.
Monsignor Benson expressed gratitude to the Catholic Church and the Koforidua Diocese for allowing him the opportunity to serve humanity in this capacity.
He highlighted that HIV and AIDS remain significant public health concerns, and he urged the public to prioritize efforts to break transmission.
Additionally, he appealed to philanthropists and well-meaning Ghanaians to support the completion of the hospice, which will provide care for people with terminal diseases in Koforidua.
Also read: HIV Patient Cured in Geneva: Full story
