Desert Nomads, a book written by Irish medical Carmelite missionary, Fr Robert MacCabe, was officially launched by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Micheál Martin at RCSI.

In his book, Fr MacCabe shares his experience and knowledge of the hot desert region of Lake Turkana, northern Kenya, where he has spent the past thirty years as a priest and doctor. The book is part autobiographical, reflecting on the land and its people of the region as well as being a handbook for nurses, doctors and others engaged in medicine in tropical areas.

Minister Micheál Martin, Minister for Foreign Affairs, commented: “This book is a pleasure to read. What comes across most is Fr MacCabe’s love and dedication to Africa and its people, along with his humour, wisdom and wit. For nearly fifty years, Fr MacCabe has risked his own safety and health in order to care for and provide spiritual support to very poor people in the most isolated part of the world. This drive, energy and selfless commitment has been a huge inspiration.”

Professor Sam McConkey, Head of Tropical Medicine at RCSI, said: “Fr MacCabes’ enthusiasm, passion and commitment for caring for the sick and the well being of others, in one of the world’s most inhospitable places impress all who meet him. Since 1973, Fr MacCabe has been a visiting lecturer at RCSI, allowing him to share his valuable knowledge and skills with medical students and doctors. His personal example of providing healthcare in a remote rural area to a nomadic group of people has inspired many students to service.”