Togo 2012: Five Months of Miracles
2012 was
off to a challenging start when the Africa
Mercy arrived in Lome’, Togo on January 5. Over the next 5 months, with the love, skill and compassion of the Mercy Ships crew, the blind see, the lame walk, and thousands more know the message of a loving God.The
Mercy Vision program helped reduce blindness in Togo by performing 794 eye surgeries
and providing ophthalmic training to 3 Togolese surgeons.
In just four months, an amazing 315 maxillofacial surgeries were provided, including 34 cleft lip and/or palate repairs. Another 3 Togolese maxillofacial surgeons received OR mentoring from Mercy Ship’s Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dr. Gary Parker.
The Reconstructing Hope program that provides plastic reconstructive surgeries changed the lives of 61 patients who received 72 specialized plastic surgeries. Almost 1000 physical and occupational therapy services were also provided.
Hernia repairs constituted most of the general surgeries that were provided to 222 adults and 49 children.
The lives of 49 women who had suffered with vesico-vaginal fistulas were dramatically changed
Mercy Ships had served previously in Togo in 2010, so a return to Togo presented the opportunity to follow-up on many patients. Thirty-two former plastic surgery patients were evaluated and 6 received additional treatment this year. Eighty-six former orthopedic patients were evaluated and 28 received additional treatment. One former orthopedic patient even received a surgery to remove eight plates that were inserted in 2010.
The Togo Smiles program performed 9,688 procedures for 4,649 residents. Basic oral health education was provided to school children, and 150 prisoners in a local prison also received dental care. Two hundred refugees were the beneficiaries of a two-day extreme dental outreach at the Peace Refuge Camp.
Capacity building has become a primary goal for Mercy Ships. Through conferences, counseling and training, another 2500 community and church leaders, health care workers and agricultural teachers benefited from training that will help prosper the needs of Togo long after the Africa Mercy’s departure.
Mercy Ships also contributed to Togo’s infrastructure by facilitating renovations at two health care facilities, and equipment ranging from surgical equipment, wheel chairs and walkers, audio visual equipment, books, video tapes, beds and computers was donated to clinics, hospitals, schools, churches and even the government.
We are proud too that the message of a loving God was presented to over twelve thousand Togolese residents!
How is all this possible? It is only possible because of our dedicated and faithful crew, and the amazing commitment of those who work in Mercy Ships National Offices throughout the world and at the International Operations Center in Texas. And it takes you. Without your financial and prayer support far less would be possible. Thank you for caring.
In just four months, an amazing 315 maxillofacial surgeries were provided, including 34 cleft lip and/or palate repairs. Another 3 Togolese maxillofacial surgeons received OR mentoring from Mercy Ship’s Maxillofacial Surgeon, Dr. Gary Parker.
The Reconstructing Hope program that provides plastic reconstructive surgeries changed the lives of 61 patients who received 72 specialized plastic surgeries. Almost 1000 physical and occupational therapy services were also provided.
Hernia repairs constituted most of the general surgeries that were provided to 222 adults and 49 children.
The lives of 49 women who had suffered with vesico-vaginal fistulas were dramatically changed
Mercy Ships had served previously in Togo in 2010, so a return to Togo presented the opportunity to follow-up on many patients. Thirty-two former plastic surgery patients were evaluated and 6 received additional treatment this year. Eighty-six former orthopedic patients were evaluated and 28 received additional treatment. One former orthopedic patient even received a surgery to remove eight plates that were inserted in 2010.
The Togo Smiles program performed 9,688 procedures for 4,649 residents. Basic oral health education was provided to school children, and 150 prisoners in a local prison also received dental care. Two hundred refugees were the beneficiaries of a two-day extreme dental outreach at the Peace Refuge Camp.
Capacity building has become a primary goal for Mercy Ships. Through conferences, counseling and training, another 2500 community and church leaders, health care workers and agricultural teachers benefited from training that will help prosper the needs of Togo long after the Africa Mercy’s departure.
Mercy Ships also contributed to Togo’s infrastructure by facilitating renovations at two health care facilities, and equipment ranging from surgical equipment, wheel chairs and walkers, audio visual equipment, books, video tapes, beds and computers was donated to clinics, hospitals, schools, churches and even the government.
We are proud too that the message of a loving God was presented to over twelve thousand Togolese residents!
How is all this possible? It is only possible because of our dedicated and faithful crew, and the amazing commitment of those who work in Mercy Ships National Offices throughout the world and at the International Operations Center in Texas. And it takes you. Without your financial and prayer support far less would be possible. Thank you for caring.
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