The week began with a meeting with the new Regional Director of Health in Menabe, who welcomed the team and expressed interest in expanding the programme to Manja. Discussions are now underway to explore adding this location to the 2027 MMS schedule.
After arriving in Belo, the team met with local health and government officials before preparing consultation and treatment areas for the busy week ahead. The service officially opened with representatives from the hospital, local authorities and community leaders, all expressing their appreciation for HoverAid’s continued commitment to the region.
As always, the demand for care was immense. Some patients had walked for two days to reach the clinic, highlighting the challenges many face in accessing even basic healthcare.
The surgical team carried out 32 operations, including several highly complex procedures. For the first time in the Mobile Medical Service programme, an ENT specialist performed surgery for thyroid conditions and nasal polyps alongside other major operations, including hysterectomies.
Among the most significant cases were two emergency Caesarean sections. One mother arrived for an ultrasound examination at full term, where it was discovered her baby was in a dangerous face presentation. Without the Mobile Medical Service, she would have needed to travel to Morondava for surgery. Thanks to the team’s presence, both mothers and babies recovered well.
Alongside surgery, the team treated hundreds of patients for a wide range of conditions, including hypertension, skin diseases, tuberculosis, sexually transmitted infections and common childhood illnesses. Volunteer journalists from Mission Aviation Fellowship also visited the mission to document the team’s work and speak with patients about the difference these services make.
Despite treating hundreds of people, many patients were still arriving on the final day hoping to be seen. The overwhelming demand means HoverAid is already planning to return to Belo-sur-Tsiribihina in October, giving more people the opportunity to access the specialist care they urgently need.Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
Statistics – Total 820
