The Ballarat-based volunteer Urology and Orthopaedics team had a very busy two weeks providing medical training and assistance in Toliara, Madagascar.

Thanks to Dr Lydia Johns Putra (Urologist) and Dr Shaun English (Orthopaedic Surgeon), both long time ADFA volunteers, Dr Doug Paxton (Anaesthetist) and Nick Veldhuis (Theatre Nurse) for making a difference to many patients in need.

Together they delivered 186 consultations, 50 surgical procedures, including orthopaedic procedures for 18 children, and twice daily ward rounds.  Two Madagascan trainee urology and orthopaedics surgeons received 10 days of hands on training, and anaesthetic training was provided to 2 technicians.

Thanks to donors – Crawford’s Pharmacy, Defries, Tristel and St John of God Hospital Ballarat, Grampians Health, Doug Paxton – for supporting this team assignment.

ADFA acknowledges support during 2024 for our Madagascar programs from Base Toliara, BlackEarth Minerals, St John of God Subiaco Hospital, and the Australian High Commission, Mauritius.  Huge thanks to our Madagascar staff for supporting the teams and making the their visits run smoothly.