ADFA - Newsletter (3rd Edition, May 2008)

May 2008 Newsletter 3rd Edition

Welcome to the Third Edition of our Newsletter...

2007 was a very successful year, even though we had to cancel a trip booked for Somalia a few days prior to departure due to an outbreak of cholera in Bosaso. Working in third world countries has its challenges and it’s a credit to the volunteers to be able to work around “hick ups” like this. ADFA went straight into action and organized cholera vaccine for the hospital staff in Bosaso so that they were able to continue working. 70 staff members were immunized. This allowed the hospital to remain open during the cholera epidemic. In the past medical services in Bosaso would have closed down during a cholera outbreak. ADFA will follow up with stage 2 cholera immunizations in September 2009. Planning for future work has become very exciting and challenging as more visits to Madagascar, Ethiopia and Somalia occur. We see a way forward for the local people by improving their health service and skills and look forward to continuing our work and sharing with them.

SOMALIA

Child undergoing talipes surgery By Dr Forward & Dr Keenan

A team consisting of two Orthopaedic Surgeons, Dr Graham Forward and Dr Tim Keenan and Anaesthetist, Dr Emma Giles went to the Bosaso Hospital in September 2007. This was an orthopaedic visit during which time a large number of patients were operated on for non-union fractures, treatment of advanced talipes, treatment of previous amputations and treatment of osteomyelitis. The team took 80kgs of medical supplies and drugs for the hospital. SCGH loaned Dr Giles a Haemocue & Propaq monitor for the trip. It was pleasing to see the general improvements on the wards and operating theatre, with the use of the clean linen and beds sent by ADFA. The diathermy is functioning in the theatre, and there is a general air of positivity by the staff. The wards require simple things such as thermometers, blood pressure cuffs and clip boards and these will be sent during the next visit.

Dr Giles teaching anaesthetics

The long term project to develop orthopaedic services has evolved away from a separate freestanding hospital. A more functional and practical project is to assist with the improvement of the wards and theatres at the Bosaso General Hospital. Dr Abdulaahi has sent a very professional presentation for expenditure of US$250,000 to demolish and rebuild a section of the hospital. Australian Doctors for Africa are planning a major fundraising to support this and this may include bringing Dr Abdulaahi to Australia for a lecture and support.

A trained nurse named Filsan has been chosen for post graduate study in midwifery and theatre nursing in Nairobi, commencing in September 2008 for 12 months. ADFA will be sponsoring Filsan. If you would like to donate to her training please contact our office. The mortality rate in infants is extremely high and we want to help alleviate this problem by offering further education to local nurses.

A sea container filled with medical supplies for the Bosaso Hospital left Perth on the 9th April 2008, due to arrive on the 1st May 08. The value of the contents of the container filled with medical aid is approximately $300,000. Most of the goods are donated and some are purchased with funds raised by ADFA.

MADAGASCAR

The project in Toliara is advancing at a rapid rate. A large team visited for two weeks in November 2007 consisting of two orthopaedic surgeons, Dr Graham Forward and Dr Will Bryceson, gastroenterologist Dr Digby Cullen, anesthetist Dr Conrad Macrokanis, general practitioner Dr Sarah Rylance and theatre nurse Kelly Pryde and nurse/plaster technician Scott McKay from Princess Margaret Hospital. Invaluable assistance was given by Muriella and Tiana from the Toliara Sand Project and by Jules Le Clezio. Their linguistic ability and logistic skills enabled the team to make a major breakthrough in communication with the Madagascan doctors and hospital staff. As a result, a large amount of operating and teaching was carried out at the General Hospital and the Clinique St Luc. Digby and Sarah saw and treated several hundred patients with gastrointestinal and general medical problems. The orthopaedic team saw approximately 100 patients with complaints such as equino-varus, active joint infections, acute and neglected trauma, tumors and arthritis. They performed a number of operative cases including eight children with talipes who were treated surgically. The cases included knee arthrodesis for chronic sepsis, fibula excision and corrective osteotomy as well as application of external fixation of trauma cases. Scott McKay developed an excellent rapport with the physiotherapy staff and has made major steps in teaching the Toliara doctors about treatment of Talipes with serial plastering.

In February 2008, Dr Michael Tiller, Dr Rob Genat, Nurse Cherrie Genat and Nurse Jan Tiller traveled to Madagascar for ADFA’S fourth trip to the island. They flew into the capital Antananarivo and before continuing to their destination Tulear (Toliara), were given a tour of the capital and observed first hand the extreme poverty and large number of beggars in the street.

The day after arrival in Tulear they visited the Regional Hospital and met Dr Joseph and then went to Clinique St Luc and met with Dr Justin and Dr Daniel (Medical Director). The work in Tulear is basically share between these two hospitals.

Over the next eight days outpatient clinics, operating and ward rounds were carried out by the ADFA team. Surgery for talipes followed by plastering was carried out on several patients. Further surgery for open reduction with internal fixation of fractures, general orthopaedic surgery for lesions and trauma were carried out. The photos to the right demonstrate a patient pre and post talipes surgery.

On the 14th February a formal presentation of the contents of the seatainer sent by ADFA containing X-ray machines, 2 anaesthetic machines, gastroenterology equipment & sterilizing solution, wheel chairs, linen and surgical supplies and antibiotics sent by ADFA was made to the Health Service of the Toliara region. This ceremony was attended by the Mayor of Toliara, the Ministry of Health, 3 members of the House of Deputies, 3 Senators, and a representative of the Chief of the Region of the South West, hospital staff and members of the local community. This ceremony was a major event for the people of Toliara in showing their appreciation and acknowledgement to Australian Doctors for Africa.

Dr Tiller spoke on behalf of ADFA and thanked the Minster of Health who had arranged the payment of duty and taxes for the sea container so it could be accepted into the country. Dr Tiller also thanked representatives Jules Le Clezio and his staff from Toliara Sands. In particular Tiana Andrianarijaona our ADFA resident volunteer in Toliara.

Both medical teams felt their visits were extremely productive and rewarding and look forward to returning to help such a desperate and destitute country.

HARGEISA

In July 2007 volunteers from ADFA and the Perth Apex club loaded a seatainer with medical supplies and medical text books bound for Hargeisa. The seatainer was supplied by the United Nations Developments Program, co-coordinated by Dr Victor Egan from Curtin University and Tom Munyasya from UNDP. The text books went to the Hargeisa University. The medical supplies provided by ADFA went to the Edna Adan Hospital and the General Hospital. The container included 2 washing machines for the Maternity Hospital, wheel-chairs for disabled children, obstetric and gynaecology equipment, linen, an operating table, ward beds, an X-ray machine, medication, surgical supplies and birthing kits provided by ladies of the Zonta Club.

Dr Rod Thelander representing ADFA, and Professor Ian Puddey faculty Dean of UWA have offered assistance to Dr Ereg the Dean of the tiny Hargeisa Medical School which he started in 2003. Dr Graham Forward, Dr Rod Thelander and Professor Ian Puddey are joining together to see how they can further assist the Medical School in Hargeisa through ADFA and UWA.

Dr Tim Keenan, Dr Emma Giles and Nurse Victoria Gibson went to Hargeisa from the 27th April – 8th May 2008 and worked with Dr Yasin, an excellent Somali surgeon, and Dr Ereg, anaesthetist and Dean of the medical school.

The team took anaesthetic and orthopaedic equipment for the hospital. They consulted a large number of patients and approximately 20 orthopaedic operations were carried out. This is more operating than the local staff are able do in a three month period due to lack of equipment and expertise.

In association with Professor Ian Puddey Dean of UWA Medical School, the ADFA team taught and conducted ward rounds and theatre work with the students of the Hargeisa Medical School.

ETHIOPIA

Dr Tim Keenan traveled to Ethiopia to the Black Lion Hospital from the 3 – 16th July 2007. Due to a lack of assistance and guidance over the last couple of years the hospital has provided reduced services since Dr Keenan’s last visit. However, in spite of this he was able to consult and perform orthopaedic surgery and take an inventory of equipment required for the operating theatre. Dr Keenan spent time with the doctors at the hospital to offer assistance for future planning.

In the previous years the World Orthopaedic Concern (WOC) and Orthopaedic Outreach (OO) have visited the Black Lion Hospital, but more recently they have not supported the hospital. Dr Graham Forward has arranged a meeting in July 2008 in Ethiopia with representatives from these organizations, along with Dr Tezera, orthopaedic surgeon from the Black Lion to see how the three groups can work together to help supply and improve operating conditions at the hospital. Dr Graham Forward and Dr Tim Keenan will visit the hospital in July 2008 prior to meeting with the WOC so that a constructive plan can be made to help the Black Lion Hospital. Orthopaedic Outreach have requested Australian Doctors act on their behalf and co-ordinate a program for the Black Lion Hospital. OO will remain involved through the leadership of ADFA.

FUNDRAISING

Our annual morning tea held at the Boatshed Restaurant in South Perth in November 2007 was a very successful and fun morning. Liz Bradley, the first female CEO of a WAFL Club was our guest speaker. Liz, CEO of the Perth Football Club was an excellent speaker who kept us entertained for about 20 minutes. Our thanks go to Liz for giving us time out of her very busy work schedule which is a 7 day a week position. An excellent result of $2,200 was raised for medical supplies. Several new members joined ADFA on the day. Thank you to all who attended.

A dinner/auction was held at the Village Restaurant in Northbridge. Peter Gregory kindly donated the use of the venue and the food, and his staff donated their time and expertise. It was a fun night which raised $3,200.

The ADFA annual “Lapathon” was held at Gloucester Park on the 24th February 2008, supported by many of last years participants and several new people. Advertising by Adcorp and the West Australian generated a great deal of interest and involvement. The use of Gloucester Park was donated by the WA Trotting Association. Team captains organized walkers and sponsors which generated lots of enthusiasm. Registration commenced at 7.30am, and then walkers took to the track at 8.00am and “lapped” for their money until approximately 9.30am. The Lapathon was a success with about 200 walkers raising the grand total of $21,700 which is a fantastic result. We hope to see you and your friends there next year.

We have great support from staff at various West Australian hospitals, pharmacies and medical companies who locate and donate supplies for our sea containers, it is costly getting the containers to those hospitals in need. We are very proud to inform you that all the funds you have donated go directly to achieving the work done by ADFA. All positions are filled by volunteers, whether it is administration, fundraising or being part of a medical team. This is a great achievement for a young charity.

MEMBERSHIPS

Having a large membership group is very important to this charity. We have now completed two financial years and two audits, which enables us to submit our application to the Australian Government body “AusAid” for financial assistance and to apply for tax deductible status from the ATO for our donors. One criteria essential for our application to AusAid is to have a large number of members. We encourage you to continue your annual membership and ask you to encourage family and friends to join. A regular question has been – “what do I get for my membership”? Most importantly is, you know you are helping someone less fortunate than yourself, and that you are part of an organization doing life changing work in third world regions. You will receive newsletters by email or post, notification of upcoming events or fundraising activities. You are welcome to attend information evenings and the AGM. There are no material rewards for being a member of ADFA, and because of this we are able to use all funds directly for the cause. Without our members we could not achieve what we do. You are a valuable cog in the wheel. We have included two more options for membership, a $50 family membership and a $100 five year membership, along with the existing $10 concession and regular $20 membership. We offer personalized gift vouchers for that person who has everything. The gift voucher is made for your nominated amount. Ring 9321 5480 if you wish to have further information on memberships or gift vouchers.

VOLUNTEERS

Robert Forward continues to work very hard to generate funds and donations for the charity. His enthusiasm and ability to overcome difficulties that arise when trying to co-ordinate equipment for the third world countries is amazing. No challenge is too hard for Robert. He motivates people with his talks and always comes back with a result. We are very proud of him. Liz Owen continues to do a great job in the office on Wednesdays. The Perth Apex Club continue to load the sea containers, hail rain or shine and are a willing and great group of people. Their support is much appreciated. David Cribb is another one of our quiet achievers who assist Robert with many tasks.