In February, we once again travelled to Oshakati/Namibia for a mission. Due to communication problems between the Ministry of Health and the hospital as well as within the hospital, this mission could only take place for one week. Nevertheless, we were again able to perform numerous operations with our local colleague Dr Alexej and two colleagues in training and use them for training. We were supported by paediatric anaesthetist Dr Nanyalo from the central hospital in Windhoek. We were able to operate on a total of 45 children. Although I was travelling alone as a paediatric surgeon with my wife Marina, we were able to work in a safe environment thanks to the excellent support of our local colleagues. The cooperation with the paediatric surgery department in Windhoek also continues to work well; we were able to transfer one child there directly after it became clear that it would need several operations in a row.
A new government will take office in Namibia in mid-March. We are hoping for continued good cooperation; the next mission is planned for February 2026.