His family had walked for an entire day from their village of Marosaonjo after hearing the MMS team was visiting the area. Lido had been born with a large swelling on his forehead, which his mother explained had been present before birth and had grown rapidly since he was born.
After examination, our surgeons and anaesthetists concluded that the condition could not be treated during the Mobile Medical Service. They believed there was likely to be a neurological connection and referred Lido to a neurosurgeon in Antananarivo.
For his family, travelling to the capital and paying for specialist treatment was simply not possible. HoverAid therefore launched an emergency appeal to fund the transport, investigations, surgery and associated medical costs.
Initially, the plan was for Mission Aviation Fellowship (MAF) to fly Lido to Antananarivo. However, due to a lack of pilot availability, this was no longer possible. Instead, Lido and his parents travelled by motorcycle from Sahakevo to Antsirabe before continuing to the capital by taxi-brousse.
Thanks to the generosity of HoverAid supporters, the appeal reached its fundraising target by the end of June.
Lido arrived in Antananarivo on 14 July and attended his first appointment with the neurosurgeon. Over the following days he underwent X-rays, CT scans and blood tests. Some of the blood tests had to be delayed as Lido was dehydrated and underweight, so he was placed on a nutritional plan before surgery.
The investigations confirmed that Lido had a cranial malformation. Part of his skull had not developed fully, allowing part of his brain to protrude through the opening, causing the large swelling on his forehead and face.
The surgeons recommended a complex operation to repair the defect in his skull, remove the swelling and reconstruct his nose. After discussing the procedure with Lido’s parents, they agreed to go ahead.
On 21 July, Lido underwent surgery. The operation lasted around four hours and was successful.
Following the operation, Lido remained in hospital for observation while the surgical team monitored him for any cerebrospinal fluid leakage. During his recovery, he began eating well and was able to open his right eye for the first time.
A few days later, doctors identified a small fluid leak from his nose. Following further examination, they confirmed this can occur after meningocele surgery, particularly in a case as advanced as Lido’s. A drainage tube was fitted, and he continued receiving antibiotics and anti-inflammatory treatment while his progress was monitored.
Lido remains under the care of his medical team as he continues his recovery.
We would like to thank everyone who donated to Lido’s emergency appeal. Your generosity enabled him to receive specialist surgery that would otherwise have been completely out of reach for his family.
