Ndola – Zambia (Mission 3)

Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital & Ndola Central Hospital, Ndola – Zambia; May 21-26, 2007

The third mission was held at Arthur Davison Children’s Hospital (ADCH) and Ndola Central Hospital (NCH) in Ndola, Zambia from May 21-26, 2007. Fourteen volunteers from different parts of the world made up the team including 3 anesthesiologists, a dentist, an Ob & Gynecologist, a pediatrician/neonatologist, a radiologist, a urologist from Germany, 3 pediatric residents from CHOC, and 3 non-medical volunteers including one from Colombia. Around 300 patients were seen and treated by the team members and 60 surgical procedures were performed, including complex gynecological surgeries, cesarian sections, circumcisions and several dental procedures. CME talks were given by members of the team at the 2 hospitals, and there was an exchange of clinical techniques and ideas between the mission team and the local physicians and other health care providers. The pediatric residents got to see first hand some of the diseases they would never come across during their training, including severe malnutrition, HIV, malaria, severe anemia, etc. They attended very busy outpatient clinics, attended daily rounds at the hospital and participated in morning reports at ADCH. The stage was set with Dr. Sam Phiri, the executive Director at ADCH, for collaboration between the groups in terms of a possible exchange of pediatric residents’ rotations at ADCH and CHOC. The team also donated equipment and medications worth $6000, including 2 pulse oximeters (provided courtesy of Massimo Inc.) to the hospitals. Some members visited local orphanages and distributed toys and clothing to the children.

Support for transportation, accommodation and food were provided by prominent local organizations – the Anekant Community Center, Ndola Hindu Samaj and Mosi Golf Club.