In Madagascar’s west, young Lova faced significant mobility problems as a toddler. But with support from HoverAid and MAF, he was flown to specialised surgery – giving him hope to gain abilities that most children take for granted.
Story by Gino Antsatiana Randrianasolo
“It’s like every mission that we’ve done in remote areas. We often encounter unusual cases,” said HoverAid’s Medical Project Manager, Maholinirianaharijaona Sidonie Tatiana, known as Maholy.
“Lova is one of those cases.”
Lovasoa Jean Doris, known as Lova, is 18 months old. He was barely able to crawl normally and was unable to stand.
He was brought by his mother, Mandimbisoa Lucienne to see the doctors who had been flown by MAF to their hometown, Belo sur Tsiribihina. The team from the HoverAid medical ‘safari’ examined him and found that the swelling on his lower back reflected a spinal cord malformation: spina bifida, a condition he had lived with since birth.
Lucienne, a farmer, knew full well that Lova’s condition needed special treatment – but the reality of their income and resulting lack of access to healthcare prevented this.
“We know that a surgery can help him,” she said. “But we had no means to cover the cost of a surgery, nor the long journey to the capital. That is why I had come here to ask for help.”
Initially Lucienne came with the expectation that the surgeon would be able to operate on Lova on site. They were received, but unfortunately the kind of surgery he needed was not feasible in the bush.
We had no means to cover the cost of a surgery, nor the long journey to the capital
“It requires specialised doctors, a neurosurgeon and equipment that is only available in big hospitals,” said Ramanamisata Hery Natolotra Onja, HoverAid volunteer surgeon.
But the road journey to the large hospital in the capital, Antananarivo, was not feasible.
“The roads are long, steep, and in very bad condition,” Maholy said. “Travelling overland would not only be unsafe but also not good for the boy. Flying was the only viable option.”
Flying was the only viable option
Upon discussions with the MAF operations team, Lova and his mother boarded an MAF plane bound for Antananarivo, with the flight offered free of charge.
HoverAid coordinated hospital admission and surgical arrangements, while the MAF team brought Lova and his mother to Antananarivo in just one hour and fifty minutes – avoiding two days of difficult road travel.
“He was fine and stable during the whole flight,” said Rutger Bakker, MAF Pilot. “I am glad we could spare them days on the road.”
Upon their arrival, Lova and Lucienne were transferred to the hospital where an appointment with a specialised surgeon was arranged.
Despite its complexity, the surgery was successful. Today, Lova is recovering well, smiling, and growing stronger. After physiotherapy, they returned home to Belo sur Tsiribihina, not the same way they left, but with new courage for what is ahead.
Lova is one of countless children growing up with similar struggles.
“Stories like Lova’s remind us why we do this work,” said Maholy. “It is not easy work, but it gives people in remote areas a chance of a healthy future.”