A new site for the medical safari this year! A village completely isolated during rainy seasons. A total of 1,029 patients seen.

Belo sur Tsiribihina is a new site for the MMS this year and was a great success! Belo is one of the districts of the Menabe region located 100km north of Morondava, on the banks of the Tsiribihina river. A 35 minute crossing by river ferry was the only way to access the village, which according to the villagers is completely isolated during the rainy season as the river rises and the roads become impassable. Most locals here are farmers of pistachios and rice as well as fishermen.

3 weeks ahead of the mission, the Medical Inspector of Belo was very enthusiastic and shared the new across via radio broadcast. This enthusiasm continued into the mission itself and there was a really great collaboration between the Medical Inspector, the Doctor from the CHRD (Belo Hospital Centre) and our own team.

The village does have its own hospital centre with an operating theatre however this was not yet functional. There is also a clinic with an operating room used by Catholic Sisters but this is very costly for them. The arrival of our medical safari meant the operating theatre could finally be put to use for the first time.

After a visit with the District Chief, the Mayor, medical Inspector and Chief Medical Officer (along with other hospital staff) we started our first day with a religious service led by the Pastor of MAF.

There was a huge turnout of patients which was really great to see, some of which had been waiting in line since 4am! We had 2 ultrasound specialists working with our new “butterfly” mobile ultrasound app. Our dentist was also very busy with patients.

Approximately 3000 patients travelled to Belo sur Tsiribihina during the mission! Some travelling from very far away, such as Bekopaka & Begrido).

Consultations revealed most patients to be suffering with Hypertension. 4 people suffering with a stroke and many cases of sexually transmitted diseases. We also managed to carry out consultations for approx 50 children.

Ultrasounds showed genital and urinary infections, cysts, ectopic pregnancies and appendicitis. Surgeries were carried out to treat hernias, appendicitis, hydroceles, lipomas, sebaceous cysts and other extractions.

Some patients that were unable to be operated on this time have been offered to join us for treatment in Ambatolahy on the next mission.

STATISTICS

Medical consultation 408; Ultrasound 247; Dental extraction 341; Surgery: major 23, minor 10. Total: 1,029