Dec 10,2016
Preamble
On Nov 13, 2016, ABW embarked on its second medical mission to the Lushoto area in Tanzania. The team consisted of 6 members, 4 physicians (one radiologist), one Kenyan clinical officer, and one pharmacist.
The objectives of the mission
- 11 days of acute care clinics (150 patient per day)
- Provide life-changing funding for surgery and medical care to patients who are unable to afford treatment
- Train a staff person in the Bumbuli region to use ultrasound imagining to diagnose and treat medical conditions
- Upgrade ultrasound training for Juma (our clinical officer and ABW employee in Kenya)
- Finalize proposal for funding of a dental chair, compressor, and instruments for the Soni Health Center
- Explore the feasibility for donating an ultrasound unit to the Bumbuli Health region
Summary of events
- A total of 9 clinics were held at 3 different centers
- A total of approximately 1200 patient were treated
- 6 patients received funding for life altering medical treatments
- Discussions were held with the DMO to finalize the financial commitment that their region must make to partner with ABW for the purchase of dental equipment for the Soni Health Center; we agreed that they would provide 25% of the funding (estimated cost to them was approximately $2250 US of the $9000 US)
- Ultrasound training was provided to the radiologist at Bumbuli hospital and to Juma; this included special training in joint and tendon injections under ultrasound imaging
- We determined that it is feasible to place a US unit in the Bumbuli Health region; they would have to send a staff person for a formal ultrasound training course – final approval depends on whether the Canadian donor is willing to move forward with their donation
The ABW medical mission was a success with most of our objectives met or exceeded. ABW should be proud of the positive impact that it had on the health and welfare of the venerable population in the financially challenged area of Tanzania. We were well received by the local health workers. Patients were very grateful for the help we were able to give them.
Respectfully submitted,
Dr Ray Comeau
