Volunteer doctors from HoverAid returned to Belo sur Tsiribihina, providing care where geography, poverty and limited resources make access to treatment a constant challenge.
Story by Gino Antsatiana Randrianasolo
“My father-in-law got surgery and treatment during last year’s mission and he’s doing well now,” said Nasinto Samitsitohery, the mayor of Belo sur Tsiribihina.
MAF in Madagascar flew a team of volunteer doctors from HoverAid to the remote western town of Belo sur Tsiribihina. It’s the second time MAF has supported HoverAid’s medical outreach to this region.
By road, the journey would take over two days. But by air, it is just over an hour. With this efficient aviation support, the medical team is able to stay in the area for several days and see as many patients as they can.
“Efficiency is essential, which is why MAF provides flights for the Madagascar Medical Safari initiative,” said Michael Jurgensen, MAF in Madagascar’s Country Director.
Efficiency is essential
In Madagascar, especially in rural communities, there may be a health centre or even a hospital – but most of the time these are under-equipped and understaffed.
“We often lack materials, and we still don’t have a surgeon or an ophthalmologist here,” said Dr Randianasolo Augustin, the area’s medical inspector.
For the people of Belo and surrounding villages, the visit by HoverAid is a rare and vital opportunity to benefit from care at a level that is otherwise inaccessible.
we still don’t have a surgeon or an ophthalmologist here
One woman, Delphine, was transported by a three-wheeler auto-rickshaw to reach the medical team – as she could barely walk.
She is 45 years old, single, and has devoted her life to caring for her blind parents. A few years ago, while she was unwell, she fell into a fire and suffered severe burns.
Although most of her wounds eventually healed, one on her foot remained painful and had since made it difficult for her to walk.
“I couldn’t afford to go to the doctor,” Delphine said.
A neighbour helped her reach Belo, where the HoverAid team blessed her with free care. Delphine received wound-cleaning, bandaging and the medicine she needed. She left with relief.
For Jeanne Georgette and her granddaughter, the return of the HoverAid team was much anticipated, after high demand on the first visit exceeded capacity.
“We didn’t have the opportunity to be seen the last time the team visited. The hospital we went to couldn’t perform the surgery.”
Fortunately, this time Jeanne’s granddaughter was scheduled and received the appendectomy she needed.
“I am so thankful the team came. God bless you,” said Jeanne, as her granddaughter recovered from the surgery