After a prolonged break due to the Covid 19 pandemic, we returned to Madagascar. Australian Doctors for Africa organise missions to provide medical services to the local people in Toliara, a town on the west coast of Madagascar, where services and infrastructure are lacking.

Shaun was able to operate on this young patient. The surgery was aimed at removing the (benign) growth and formation of a weight bearing & functional limb. As a team, we felt privileged to be part of a group that was able to provide such expertise. This was life changing for this young girl. Her future life, including potential to find employment and marry, would not have not been attainable. In many cases, disability would result in people being outcast in their communities.

A focus of Shaun’s trip was on dealing with neglected trauma. The operating theatres were limited in equipment and resources.

Mr Shaun English (Orthopaedic Surgeon) and Julie Fahey (practice nurse) had the amazing opportunity to join forces with Australian Doctors for Africa on a two week aid trip to Madagascar.

From a public health perspective, there is currently an outbreak of plague, which has killed over 100 people in the capital, Antananarivo. Parasitic diseases are common, with malaria and schistosomiasis being endemic and ongoing. Tuberculosis is another fairly common disease, and I have already seen patients with skeletal manifestations of TB. For the traveler, gastrointestinal illness is a constant hazard.

Shaun English (Orthopaedic Surgeon) & Julie Fahey (Practice Nurse) are joining a group of enthusiastic & dedicated volunteers on a medical expedition.