Medical Cooperative Dispatch to Madagascar

Since the first medical team was sent to Madagascar in 2012 to treat cleft lip and palate, medical teams have been sent in cooperation with Showa University, including Showa University doctors (plastic surgery, anaesthesiology, etc.), dentists, nurses, and students (graduate and undergraduate) studying at Showa University.

Cleft lip and palate is a condition in which a child is born with a cleft in the lip and upper jaw (palate), causing problems such as reduced feeding ability and speech difficulties. Many children in Asian and African countries, especially in rural areas, do not have access to adequate health services and treatment due to poverty.

The activities take place at the Ave Maria Hospital Clinic in the town of Antirabe, south-west of the capital Antananarivo, over a period of about two weeks, including travel from Japan. Medical equipment is brought in from Japan and, together with local staff, around 25 operations and treatments are carried out free of charge each year. The main focus is on cleft lip and palate surgery, but some people hear about the medical team’s mission and come for treatment of burn injuries.

Please note that project activities are entirely funded by donations.