Joseph Barnes (Irish doctor) facts for kids

Joseph Barnes (born November 14, 1914 – died May 4, 2017) was an Irish doctor and a special kind of helper called a medical missionary. He spent time in the 1940s working in West Africa. There, he helped people who had a serious disease called leprosy.

He worked alongside kind sisters from the Medical Missionaries of Mary. One of them was Sister Mary de Lourdes Gogan. Joseph Barnes is also famous for helping to start an organization called the International Community for the Relief of Suffering and Starvation (ICROSS). He created this group with Michael Elmore-Meegan.

Joseph Barnes was born in Belfast. He went to school at Synge Street CBS and later studied at University College, Dublin. He also taught about "tropical medicine" at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. This is a special type of medicine for diseases common in hot, tropical places. He lived a very long life, becoming 100 years old in 2014. He passed away in 2017 when he was 102 years old.

Who Was Joseph Barnes?

Joseph Barnes was an amazing Irish doctor who dedicated his life to helping others. He is remembered for his important work in Africa and for co-founding a major charity. He showed great kindness and courage throughout his long life.

Early Life and Education

Joseph Barnes was born in Belfast, which is now part of Northern Ireland. He received a good education, first at Synge Street CBS. Later, he went on to study at University College, Dublin. This is where he trained to become a doctor.

Helping Others in Africa

After becoming a doctor, Joseph Barnes chose to become a medical missionary. This meant he traveled to places far away to provide medical care. He worked in West Africa during the 1940s. His main focus was helping people affected by leprosy.

What is a Medical Missionary?

A medical missionary is a doctor or nurse who travels to different countries. They often go to areas where people don't have easy access to hospitals or doctors. They provide medical help and care, often inspired by their religious beliefs. Joseph Barnes was one of these dedicated individuals.

Working with Leprosy Patients

In West Africa, Joseph Barnes worked in special places that cared for people with leprosy. Leprosy is a serious disease that affects the skin and nerves. At the time, there was less understanding of how to treat it. Dr. Barnes worked hard to provide comfort and medical attention to those suffering. He worked closely with the Medical Missionaries of Mary, a group of sisters who also helped the sick.

Founding ICROSS

One of Joseph Barnes's most important achievements was helping to start the International Community for the Relief of Suffering and Starvation (ICROSS). He co-founded this organization with Michael Elmore-Meegan. ICROSS is a charity that works to help people who are suffering and don't have enough food. It aims to bring relief and support to communities in need.

Later Life and Legacy

Joseph Barnes also shared his knowledge by teaching. He lectured on tropical medicine at the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland. This means he taught other doctors about diseases common in hot climates. He lived to be very old, becoming a centenarian (someone who lives to be 100 or more) in 2014. He passed away in 2017 at the age of 102. His life showed a strong commitment to helping others and making a difference in the world.