Can you believe it's almost been a year since Access Health Africa (formerly Mediserv, an initiative of World Camp, Inc) has been in Malawi? Our staff have been hard at work all year prepping for our upcoming Summer 2017 Medical Mission. We'll be traveling with a team of FIVE and we couldn't be more excited to get down to business! We'll be in Lilongwe from July 14 - 21 and are already making plans to be at Kabudula Hospital, Dzaleka Refugee Camp, Kamuzu Central Hospital, and more. Follow along as we prepare for our 2017 trip!
This year we have HUGE plans in the works and we can't wait to share them with you! As you may remember, last year our medical staff faced some unforeseen challenges due to power outages at rural area hospitals. Dr. Henson and Dr. Newell forged on and completed surgeries with headlamps (absolute champs!) but recognized that we needed a longer term solution to be able to perform surgeries in less than ideal settings.
In light of this (pun intended!), we're focusing our fundraising effort on purchasing equipment that will allow us to perform MORE surgeries while keeping our patients safe and comfortable, and minimizing exterior challenges related to power outages. Our BIG purchases will be 2 or more portable generators and 2 or more sets of surgical lights and light posts.
Our surgical support shopping list includes a couple other big items:
- BOVIE Electrocautery tool, which, for those of us who are not surgeons, will allow our staff to control bleeding during surgical procedures
- LAPAROTOMY TRAYS that will supply surgical tools needed during more complicated procedures
- SUCTION equipment for surgical procedures
- STERILIZER for surgical equipment
Having our own equipment will enable our staff to get right down to work and not have to worry about what is available at each location, and will keep our patients safe and comfortable during their procedures.
Next week we'll be launching our 2017 FUNDRAISER on Crowdrise to help us reach our goals to purchase all of this equipment in conjunction with Dr. Jenn Mullarkey's Dental fundraiser. Donate to one or both, and we'll show you some love!
Don't forget to visit our blog, Facebook, and Instagram to keep up with all of the latest updates on our 2017 Medical Mission trip.
With gratitude,
Katie Sacca
AHA Board of Directors