On May 30th, a team of eight departed Tana at 9 a.m. to join two colleagues from the previous week’s Sahakevo mission, who had already arrived in Ampasinambo with essential equipment. Bad weather once again posed a serious challenge. After several failed landing attempts, the MAF pilot considered returning to Tana – but thankfully, a final effort was successful. Once safely on the ground, the plane flew on to Sahakevo to collect our anesthesiologist, sonographer, and remaining supplies, returning them to Ampasinambo.

We were warmly welcomed at the airstrip by the new mayor and many local villagers. His team had done an excellent job raising awareness in surrounding communities, resulting in a high turnout of patients.

As in Sahakevo, malaria remains a devastating health crisis. When we arrived, about ten people were already hospitalized with severe malaria. Over the course of the mission, we conducted surgeries, dental care, ultrasounds, and medical consultations. While we were limited in performing complex surgeries due to our new surgeon’s experience level, we did identify a serious case involving a leg tumour requiring amputation.

Medical consultations revealed many elderly patients suffering from high blood pressure and diarrhoea—both symptoms often linked to poor sanitation and unsafe drinking water. The mayor once again voiced a pressing need for support in providing a clean drinking water supply, specifically requesting a water fountain to serve the community.

Despite the weather and logistical difficulties, the mission was a success—thanks in no small part to the new mayor’s active collaboration, a notable and welcome change from previous experiences in the village. Due to aircraft limitations, our return journey required two separate flights with a stopover in Nosy Varika to transport the full team and equipment.

STATISTICS – Total 459

Medical consultation 287; Ultrasound 92; Dental extraction 61; Surgery: major 14, minor 5