Keith R. Brinkman Togo 2010 Field Service
For this year, we are here in Lomé, Togo from February 10th till August 16th. Togo was the first nation we came to in Africa back in 1990 (while I was serving at the International Office in Texas). Here are some of the projects that will be happening as we help to bring hope and healing to the Togolese people.
Mercy Vision (Reducing Blindness in Togo) Project Objectives: To train one cataract surgical fellow from Togo. To provide mentoring for five African and international surgeons in cataract removal and prepare them for service in a developing country. To provide 1,500 specialized surgeries to correct blindness due to cataracts. To provide 100 specialized surgeries to correct blindness due to pterygium. To provide about 30 eviscerations/enucleations for people needing palliative benefit. To evaluate and treat 12,000 patients for basic eye disease in community clinics.
Outlook of Hope (Providing Maxillofacial Surgeries and Surgeon Mentoring)
Project Objectives: To provide 375 specialized surgery for people affected by maxillofacial deformities (tumors, complications of injury, or infections). Of these, 100 will be cleft lip and/or palate procedures. To mentor two international surgeons in advances surgical techniques that are suitable for service in a developing country.
Reconstructing Hope (Providing Reconstructive Surgery and Surgeon Mentoring)
Project Objectives: To provide 85 specialized surgeries for patients affected by plastic reconstructive conditions, including burn scar contractures, chronic ulcers, benign and malignant tumors, combined fingers, and swollen limbs, etc. To mentor 2 international surgeons in plastic reconstructive surgery techniques.
Specialized Surgical Solutions (Providing General Medical Procedures) Project Objectives: To provide 170 specialized surgeries for people affected by general medical conditions such as hernias and goiters.
Hope Reborn: Togo (Fistula Prevalence Reduction and Surgeon Mentorship)
Project Objectives: To mentor 4 surgeons and their nurses in advanced surgical techniques to improve access to proper health care. To provide 60 surgical procedures during the surgeon mentorships. To provide whole-person, psycho/social/spiritual counseling and care to all women affected by VVF or RVF who are screened or receive surgery in this project.
The Orthopaedic Project (Providing Ponseti Training and Orthopaedic Surgeries)
Project Objectives: Train and mentor 10 West African medical personnel in the Ponseti casting technique. During this training, Mercy Ships anticipates performing 50 clubfoot corrections. Provide training to manufacture braces for feet and legs to maintain corrections. Provide 90 specialized procedures for children affected by orthopaedic conditions, including neglected trauma and childhood musculoskeletal conditions. Provide physical therapy on an inpatient and outpatient basis.
Togo Smiles (Providing Dental Care) Project Objectives: To provide dental care for approximately 5,700 people (about 10,300 procedures) affected by tooth decay, infections of the mouth, and small oral lesions. To provide clinical dental hygiene services to 600 people. To provide 550 dentures to patients requiring replacement. To provide access to basic oral health education to 5,700 clients in the dental clinics. To instruct and mentor 30 teachers to teach oral health in their classrooms.
Restoring Hope (Addressing Mental Illness, Epilepsy, and Trauma) Project Objectives: Train and mentor 30 health care workers from different health care facilities in Lomé. Train and mentor 60 medical professionals to improve utilization of basic diagnosis, treatment, and counseling skills. To train and mentor 60 church and community leaders in mental health awareness and counseling. Offer training and mentoring for 50 teachers and 50 social workers and 50 corrections officers and prison fellowship workers, and 50 military leaders in mental health/illness management and basic counseling skills. Offer a five-day children’s camp to improve the self-esteem of 50 children, and to increase church leaders’ ability to work with children.
Food for Life (Increasing Food Security & Providing Agricultural Mentoring) Project Objectives: Train and mentor 9 staff members from 3 different Togolese non-government organizations (NGO) in biblical agriculture concepts and natural (organic) farming methods. NGO trainees establish demonstration gardens: 1 garden per Togolese NGO.
Plus Palliative Care, the Hospitality Center, and the Church Leaders Conference in Lomé – those objectives have not been finalized/confirmed yet for this field service.
Thank you for your prayers, encouragement and support for this field service and throughout the year.
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