Libreville, Gabon — Under the patronage of First Lady Zita Oligui Nguema, the Gabonese Ministry of Health, the Gabonese Red Cross, and the Italian NGO Emergenza Sorrisi — Doctors for Smiling Children, have organized a surgical caravan at the CHU Mère-Enfant Fondation Jeanne Ebori in Libreville.
The initiative, spanning from June 21 to June 28, 2026, has provided free consultations and surgical interventions to 30 patients, including children and adults suffering from cleft lip and palate, also known as a “harelip. “This significant health initiative has been instrumental in improving the quality of life for these patients, both aesthetically and functionally.
The Minister of Health, Professor Elsa Nkana Joséphine Ayo-Bivigou, personally oversaw the mission, which is supported by the Fondation Ma Bannière.
The event also facilitated a transfer of skills between Italian surgeons and Gabonese medical teams, contributing to the sustainable strengthening of national capabilities in reconstructive surgery.
The surgical caravan, a collaborative effort, highlights the commitment of both the Gabonese government and international partners to enhancing healthcare access for children, especially those from vulnerable backgrounds. This initiative is a crucial step towards addressing severe pathologies among children in Gabon, where access to specialized medical care is often limited.
As the caravan concludes, it leaves behind a legacy of hope and a renewed focus on the importance of specialized medical care for children with severe pathologies.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Agpgabon
Source: Redaction
