I will be going on a surgical mission trip to Mwandi Hospital where the team and I will provide specialty surgical care otherwise unavailable to the community. The team consists of surgeons, anesthesiologist, an internist and an emergency physician (me). I will be doing pre-op evaluations, surgical logistics and planning, bedside procedures, surgery assistance, and post op treatment.
We will be providing quality healthcare to the people in the Western Province of Zambia (Mwandi District).
The UCZ Mwandi Mission Hospital is the primary healthcare facility in the Mwandi District with a population of about 30,000 people. Most of the population subsist by farming and fishing and earn less than the international poverty line of $1.90 USD/day. The Mwandi lies near the edge of the Kalihari desert, and its environment is harsh. Indeed, Mwandi would probably be a desert were it not for the Zambezi River. The Lozi people who are the primary inhabitants of Zambia’s Western Province deal with severe drought or flooding and the consequent crop failures on a regular basis. Malnutrition, especially for children and pregnant women, is a major health issue. Communicable diseases, including COVID-19, HIV, TB, and malaria, as well as growing levels of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease, require many resources from the 80-bed hospital and its limited staff. Government grants for basic hospital operations are unpredictable and insufficient, particularly with the current rate of inflation, which reached an all-time high of 24.6% in July 2021
Not only will we be providing quality medical care to a community who cannot afford healthcare, but also do not have access to the specialists in their country. We will be educating the physicians at the hospital and hopefully they will utilize the learning from us for them to continue with medical treatment in the community after we have left.
As I reflect on my recent two-week medical mission trip to Zambia, a multitude of emotions wash over me. It began with an arduous journey through countless airports and layovers, each with its unique set of challenges. The journey was not always comfortable—marked by exhaustive flights, sleepless hours, and hot, bumpy bus rides. Yet, from the moment I set foot in Mwandi, the trials of the journey became trivial in light of what I was about to experience.
From the first day at the hospital, the universality of the human experience came into sharp focus. Though far from my home and the modern luxuries of healthcare, I was reminded that our core human needs are universally shared. We all have the same fears, hopes, and health struggles, no matter the geographic boundaries that separate us. It was as if I had never left my role as a healer, as the essence of medicine knows no borders.
Working with a diverse group of doctors, I discovered camaraderie I hadn't anticipated. We weren't just professionals sharing a workplace; we were a tight-knit family fueled by a united mission to serve. We all dedicated ourselves to the patients of Mwandi.
Our hands were full, but so were our hearts—filled with an incredible sense of purpose, common objectives, and an unspoken understanding of each other’s struggles.
One of the highlights during my stay was teaching the Zambian doctors during their Grand Rounds. At my core, I am an educator. As I shared my knowledge and perspectives on trauma and critical illness, the room resonated with a shared dedication to medicine.
Despite their limited resources, their clinical acumen stood as a testament to their dedication. Contributing to the evolving story of Zambian medicine made me realize that no matter where we practice, our commitment to healing and learning remains unwavering.
The experience brought me face-to-face with the disparities in healthcare that often go unnoticed in the comfort of our homes. I was humbled by the challenges of diagnosing and treating patients without the technologies we often take for granted. Despite these limitations, I was awe-struck by the resilience and adaptability shown by local healthcare professionals.
Beyond the hospital walls, I was deeply moved by my visit to an orphanage housing 207 children. Learning about the heart-wrenching reasons these children find themselves without parents, especially the prominence of HIV, was both sorrowful and enlightening. Yet, there was hope in learning about the significant progress made in HIV prevention and treatment over the past two decades. It is heartwarming to see how the community comes together to ensure these children are surrounded by family and love.
My encounters with incredible human beings who dedicated their life to serving others was life changing. Eda and Keith Sandoval—missionaries who left Scotland and dedicated 30 years to uplifting the community and wow, they have truly made a substantial impact on Mwandi. They, along with the resilient children at the orphanage, made me realize that you don't have to change the whole world to make a significant impact.
You just have to change someone's world.
I can't forget Fridah. She transitioned gracefully from a patient to an invaluable translator and support system, asking for nothing in return. Sitting steadfast by my side, she became a bridge between me and many souls, translating not just words but also emotions. Her selfless act showed me that genuine kindness is a universal language and rekindled my faith in humanity.
In a world often divided by superficial differences, this mission trip underscored that at our core, we are all connected through our shared human experiences, struggles, and triumphs.
My heart is heavy yet hopeful, my eyes are opened, and my resolve is strengthened.
I leave Zambia with an enriched soul and the inspiration to keep serving humanity, wherever that may take me.
