volunteers
pounds of medical equipment hand-carried to local hospitals
total surgeries
patients treated
Mozambique 2024
Innovation & Collaboration in Mozambique
Ohana One’s recent medical outreach trip to Mozambique was a groundbreaking effort in reconstructive surgery and training for local medical teams. Highlights included the country’s first functional free flap, advanced procedures like microsurgery, burn management, and facial reconstruction, and developing a burn pain management program with local staff. Live training sessions also introduced microsurgery techniques and smart glasses technology.
PATIENT Follow-up
Liliana
2023
At just four years old, Lilliana suffered severe burns to her hand after grabbing exposed electrical wires, leading to syndactyly as her fingers fused together. With Dr. Pedro’s expertise, advanced surgical techniques were used to address this complex condition.
2024
Now six, Lilliana is thriving at home and school. Her surgeries restored remarkable mobility and functionality, allowing her vibrant spirit to shine as she embraces daily life. Her journey is a testament to expert care and resilience.
Our Work
Ohana One’s recent medical outreach trip to Mozambique was a remarkable journey of innovation and collaboration, focusing on reconstructive surgeries and immersive training for local medical professionals. Throughout the week, we compassionately treated both pediatric and adult patients with complex challenges. Highlights include performing the country’s very first functional free flap with the local surgeons, performing a series of intricate procedures ranging from microsurgery to burn and innovative pain management, facial reconstruction, contracture releases, and flap cases.
In addition, we held live training sessions covering microsurgery techniques, surgical training, and the use of smart glasses technology, and worked with the local anesthesiologists and nurses to come up with the first successful pain management program for burn dressing cases. We encourage you to view more photos from this outreach trip.
Key Surgeries and Procedures
Microsurgery: The team achieved Mozambique’s first successful free flap surgery on a 44-year-old electrician, performing a gracilis-to-forearm flap after a traumatic electrocution injury. – A dedicated resident was involved in live hands-on training, including micro suture techniques and the utilization of smart glasses for enhanced precision.
Burn and Contracture Releases: A 6-year-old child, Nalion, received a left radial forearm flap for wrist repair and right thumb and finger flexion contracture releases after severe burns. – Other cases included burn debridement and skin grafting for acute burn victims, including pediatric patients.
Nasal Reconstructions: Multiple nasal reconstructions were performed, including a 2-year-old girl, Luna, who received a nasal reconstruction for a congenital nasal defect using cartilage grafts. – A 14-year-old girl, Luísa, had a nasal defect post-soft tissue infection, repaired using a forehead flap with cartilage graft.
Breast Reduction and Flap Surgeries: Several cases of breast reduction were performed for patients with hypertrophy, providing critical relief and functional improvement. – Advanced ALT flap procedures were carried out, including a case of bilateral arm contracture releases on a 13-year-old, and a fibula transposition flap for a patient with post-trauma injuries from a motor vehicle accident.
Partners
We received $793,403 in in-kind donations for supplies and equipment we used during the surgical outreach trip. We couldn’t have done this without your help!
Americares
General medical supplies
Arthrex
Sutures
Axogen
Micro lab/micro instruments
MTF Biologics
Allograft tissues for plastic and reconstructive surgery and 10 healing Hero Bear Kits
Toyota
Donated ground transportation with a driver for the whole week
Samuel Poor
Two portable surgical microscopes
Secma Medical Innovation
Intubation supplies
Photos courtesy of Kelly Fogel Photography
Continued Support
This medical outreach trip was a resounding success, delivering life-transforming surgeries to Mozambican patients and offering essential training to local medical staff. With over 25 surgeries completed, including Mozambique’s pioneering funcional free gracilis flap surgery, we leave behind a legacy of healed patients and empowered medical teams. Our commitment to this life-saving work continues as we look forward to future trips.
The trip was amazing! The group was very engaged, and we provided excellent care. I’m very proud we helped a kid having a seizure, keeping him alive and bringing him to the ICU. After seeing our team working together to save the kid, the local nurses respected our work. Very proud of our accomplishment. I am very proud of the Mission and the beautiful work accomplished. Thank you for a fantastic trip!”
— Nurse Debra Lanza