Surgical outreach in Mbalmayo, Cameroon prevents amputations and disability

Under the banner of the AO Alliance’s surgical outreach program, and for the sixth consecutive year, Dr Florent Anicet Lekina and his team of surgeons and operating room personnel (ORP) have brought hope and healing to 30 patients in need at Saint Luc Hospital in Mbalmayo.

Lekina, the AO Alliance’s lead representative in Cameroon and French-speaking Africa, has assembled a skilled multidisciplinary team primarily from the nation’s capital, Yaoundé. In collaboration with the local medical team at Saint Luc Hospital, they address complex orthopedic cases ranging from malunions to severe infections.

“The work we do here is not just about fixing bones; it’s about restoring lives and building capacity,” says Lekina. “Alongside treating patients, we prioritize teaching and empowering the local medical team to enhance their surgical skills and sustain high-quality care.”

This year’s surgeries covered a wide range of orthopedic conditions the program tackles. Some patients suffered from neglected fractures that had healed improperly. Others were treated for osteomyelitis, a debilitating bone infection. The cases spanned all age groups, with both children and adults receiving care.

In addition to patient care, the program has become a vital hands-on training opportunity for the local medical staff. Surgeons and ORPs from Mbalmayo work side by side with Lekina’s team, gaining experience and expanding their skills in advanced surgical techniques. This collaborative approach ensures that the outreach has a lasting impact on healthcare delivery in the region.

For many patients, the surgeries performed during the outreach are life-changing, offering a chance to regain mobility, independence, and dignity. At the same time, the knowledge-sharing between teams underscores the AO Alliance’s mission to create sustainable improvements in trauma care.