US smiling surgeons arrive today

US-based Smiling Surgeons arrive today for their annual Maxillofacial Surgery Camp at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Blantyre.

The 14-member team, sponsored by USA-Malawi Initiatives, is led by US-based Malawian maxillofacial surgeon Dr. Tania Nkungula.

During the 10-day camp, the doctors will conduct surgeries on patients with facial deformities caused by accidents and dental diseases.

In a press release, the initiative’s local partners, say the camp follows a similar one last year that saw over 25 patients operated on.

“Maxillofacial surgery is one of the capacity gaps. Malawi has only one maxillofacial surgeon, Dr. James Mchenga, who combines lecturing at the Kamuzu University of Health Sciences and his work at QECH,” reads the statement in part.

The Patriots Rotary Club publicity secretary Henry Mdebwe thanked Malawi Ambassador to the United States of America Justice Esme Chombo for mobilising resources to fill gaps in the health sector.

In an interview during the inaugural Maxillofacial Surgery Camp last year, Dr. Mchenga said there were over 200 patients waiting for surgery nationwide.

He said: “The needs of the clients queuing for surgery to fix their mouth, jaws, face and neck are enormous.

“There are more than 200 patients on the waiting list, but there are no doctors to attend to them and no tools and supplies required for the procedures.”

The USA-Malawi Initiative plans to send over 60 containers filled with medical equipment and supplies worth over $30 million this year and next year. The medical equipment and supplies will be distributed to the country’s four central hospitals, district hospitals and Christian Health Association of Malawi facilities.