From March 13 to 30, we were in Bembéréké, Benin, for our 14th medical mission. The team included anesthesiologist Christian Hess, anesthesiology technician Tugce Kisdem, pediatric surgeons Katharina Herrmann and Jasmin Pilatzek, as well as my wife and me. Unfortunately, Marina had to return home immediately due to a family emergency.
We were greeted by a very well-prepared team that introduced us to over 100 children on our very first day. For the first time, we had to end this initial consultation session after 12 hours and ask about 30 children to come back for our next visit, as our surgery schedule was already fully booked.
That is why we worked exceptionally long hours every day and were able to perform 83 surgeries on 78 children. The local team was reinforced by an anesthesiologist and three surgical residents. They provided us with invaluable support during the mission and learned a great deal in the process.
Dr. Jonathan Troukou, who continues to serve as the hospital’s director, ensured that the pediatric surgery mission ran smoothly, and we thank him and his entire team for their tireless efforts!