Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Preparation and Initial Notice
- Mission Activities Overview
- Lagos (Redemption City)
- University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH)
- Detailed Activities and Outcomes
- Training and Equipping Health Personnel
- Health Screenings and Consultations
- Dental Check-ups and Oral Hygiene Workshops
- Interactive Health Education Sessions
- Key Presentations and Workshops
- Emergency Medicine and Trauma
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
- Neonatal Resuscitation
- Trauma and Pediatric Head Injury
- Community Engagement and Impact
- Donations and Equipment Provision
- Challenges and Solutions
- Reflections and Future Plans
- Conclusion
1. Introduction
In 2023, Mission Without Wall embarked on our 6th significant medical mission to Nigeria, targeting two primary locations: Lagos (Redemption City) and University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. The mission aimed to provide comprehensive healthcare services, including medical training, health screenings, consultations, and the donation of medical supplies and equipment.
2. Preparation and Initial Notice
Before the mission commenced, an official notice was issued detailing the activities planned for the trip. This notice highlighted the importance of the mission and outlined the key areas of focus:
- Continuing education on modern medical procedures at the health camp.
- Equipping the camp clinic with necessary supplies.
- Performing health screenings and distributing gifts.
- Engaging with community members to address health-related concerns.
3. Mission Activities Overview
Lagos (Redemption City)
At Redemption City, our team of specialists provided free medical care at the Redeemer Health Center. This included consultations, surgeries, and the donation of medical equipment and consumables by Mission Without Wall. The activities were as follows:
- Free patient care by specialists.
- Free surgeries performed by our team.
- Donation of medical equipment and consumables.
University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH)
The mission also included a visit to UITH where our specialists conducted advanced medical training sessions. The agenda covered a wide range of topics in emergency medicine, trauma care, and pediatric life support:
- Case presentations on arrhythmias.
- Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support (ACLS) training.
- Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) training.
- Neonatal resuscitation techniques.
- Trauma care presentations.
4. Detailed Activities and Outcomes
Training and Equipping Health Personnel
Our mission placed a strong emphasis on the training of local medical personnel. This included teaching modern medical procedures, emergency response techniques, and resuscitation methods. The training sessions were comprehensive, covering both theoretical knowledge and practical skills.
Health Screenings and Consultations
Health screenings were conducted to identify common health issues among the local population. Our specialists provided consultations to diagnose and treat various medical conditions. These activities were crucial in addressing immediate health concerns and preventing potential complications.
Interactive Health Education Sessions
Interactive health education sessions were held in schools and community centers. These sessions covered topics such as nutrition, exercise, and preventive health measures. The goal was to empower the community with knowledge and practices that promote long-term health and well-being.
5. Key Presentations and Workshops
Emergency Medicine and Trauma
Dr. Nji Jeannette led the emergency medicine and trauma sessions, covering various types of arrhythmias and their management. The presentations included:
- ACLS for Asystole and PEA.
- ACLS for Bradycardia.
- ACLS for Tachycardia.
- Management of heart block.
- ACLS for V-Fib and Pulseless V-Tach.
Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
The PALS sessions, conducted by Dr. Joseph Taiwo, Amber Rodriguez, and Lexis Delao, focused on critical pediatric emergencies. Topics included:
- PALS for Asystole and PEA.
- PALS for Bradycardia.
- PALS for Tachycardia.
- Management of V-Fib and Pulseless V-Tach in pediatric patients.
Neonatal Resuscitation
The neonatal resuscitation workshops were comprehensive, covering various aspects of neonatal care. Key topics included:
- Indications for supplemental oxygen and CPAP.
- Positive pressure ventilation techniques.
- Intravascular access during resuscitation.
- Use of laryngeal masks and post-resuscitation care.
- Ethical considerations and end-of-life care.
Trauma and Pediatric Head Injury
Trauma care was another critical area covered during the mission. Dr. Joseph Taiwo led sessions on managing shock, massive transfusion protocols, and thoracotomy. Pediatric head injury management was also discussed, focusing on elevated intracranial pressure (ICP).
6. Community Engagement and Impact
Engaging with the community was a cornerstone of our mission. Through health education sessions and interactive activities, we were able to address health-related concerns and promote healthy lifestyles. The impact of these engagements was evident in the increased awareness and proactive approach of the community towards health issues.
7. Donations and Equipment Provision
Mission Without Wall donated a significant amount of medical equipment and consumables to the health facilities in Lagos and University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital. These donations included:
- Diagnostic tools.
- Surgical instruments.
- Medications and medical consumables.
The donations were instrumental in enhancing the capacity of local health facilities to provide quality care.
8. Challenges and Solutions
Like any mission, we faced several challenges, including logistical issues, cultural barriers, and resource limitations. However, our team was well-prepared to address these challenges through:
- Thorough pre-mission planning.
- Cultural sensitivity training for team members.
- Collaboration with local health authorities.
These strategies ensured the smooth execution of our mission and maximized our impact.
9. Reflections and Future Plans
Reflecting on the 2023 mission, it is clear that our efforts have made a significant difference in the communities we served. Moving forward, we plan to:
- Expand our training programs to include more advanced medical procedures.
- Increase the frequency of our missions to ensure continuous support.
- Strengthen partnerships with local health authorities for sustained impact.
10. Conclusion
The 2023 medical mission to Nigeria was a resounding success, thanks to the dedication of our team and the support of our donors. Together, we have improved healthcare access and outcomes for thousands of people in Lagos and Ilorin. As we look to the future, we remain committed to our mission of providing quality healthcare to underserved communities.
Post-Mission Relaxation
After the mission, we took the team to a beautiful private beach in Lagos to unwind and reflect on our experiences before returning to the United States. This brief period of relaxation allowed our team to recharge and appreciate the incredible work we accomplished together.
Mission Without Wall Team
Dr. Nji Jeannette MD – Emergency Medicine and Trauma – USA
Dr. Joseph Taiwo MD – Emergency Medicine and Trauma – USA
Amber Rodriguez – Respiratory Therapist – USA
Lexis Delao – Respiratory Therapist – USA
Femi Ogunyemi – Chairman, Mission Without Wall
Your support has made this mission possible. Thank you for being part of this journey towards a healthier Nigeria.