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From the Field Madagascar

Scenes of Hope: Antsirabe Medical Mission

From the Field Madagascar

Scenes of Hope: Antsirabe Medical Mission

Huge crowds gather at the hospital during patient health evaluations on the first day of Operation Smile’s 2017 medical mission to Antsirabe, Madagascar. Photo: Zute Lightfoot.

 

A mother and her child stand in line, awaiting comprehensive health evaluation. Operation Smile medical volunteers screened more than 520 patients to determine if they are healthy enough to receive surgery. Photo: Zute Lightfoot.

 

The need for safe, well-timed and effective surgical care in Madagascar is immense. Photo: Zute Lightfoot.

 

A 2-month-old baby waits for her patient health evaluation and to be admitted into Operation Smile's feeding program. Malnutrition is a dire health hazard and a significant barrier to surgical intervention for many young Malagasy patients. Photo: Zute Lightfoot.

 

Six-year-old Heritiana attended Operation Smile’s 2016 medical mission to Antsirabe but was diagnosed with pneumonia by Operation Smile volunteers and unable to receive surgery. Here, he receives the patient health evaluation that will determine if he is one of the more than 150 patients who will receive surgery during the medical mission. Photo: Zute Lightfoot.

 

Heritiana sits with his father as he receives his patient health evaluation from plastic surgeon Patrik Boivie of Sweden. Photo: Zute Lightfoot.

 

A child waits for his patient health screening. Long lines and the bustling environment of medical mission sites can be overwhelming for young patients and parents alike. Operation Smile counters these factors by leaning on the skills of volunteer psychosocial care providers to provide critical psychosocial and emotional support. Photo: Zute Lightfoot.

 

Nine-year-old Clara receives her health evaluation from anesthesiologist Clover Lee Ann of South Africa. Photo: Zute Lightfoot.

The story continues in “Scenes of Healing: Antsirabe Medical Mission.”

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