In 2007 a private donor, Allan Lewis, pledged $200,000 to carry out around 800 hydrocele surgeries across Niger.

Lymphatic filariasis is a parasitic disease caused by worms living in the lymphatic system. People with the disease can suffer from lymphedema (localised fluid retention causing enlargement of the arms or legs) or swelling of the scrotum called a hydrocele. The psychological and social stigma associated with this aspect of the disease is immense.

BEFORE                                                       AFTER

In 2007 a private donor, Allan Lewis, pledged $200,000 to carry out around 800 hydrocele surgeries across Niger.

Progress to date (May 2009):

Between 9-11th June 2008 a surgical training workshop took place in Tillaberi region where a total of 9 doctors were trained in the surgical procedure and post-operative care by Dr Gueye, a Senegalese lymphatic filariasis expert. Overall 11 patients were operated on during a three day training. A second training session later took place in the Urology department of the Lamordé Teaching hospital in Niamey with a total of 19 trainee doctors.

Between 9-11th February 2009 a 2nd surgery training workshop took place in Maradi region organised by Dr Sanda from Niamey. In total a further 13 doctors from 13 endemic districts were trained and 44 patients were operated on during the one week training session.

The objective of these training camps therefore were to increase the number of trained surgeons who are capable of operating on hydroceles, therefore reducing the morbidity burden caused by lymphatic filariasis.

Having trained the surgeons previously in Maradi, four surgeons went on to operate on a total of 77 patients in a Hydrocele camp at Say District between 23-27th February 2009. Each patient was cared for during the post-operative recuperation week free of charge provided with:

• Transport to and from their home to Say District hospital
• Accommodation and food (as shown in the pictures) pre and post operation
• Post-operation medical kit including bandages, antiseptic, antibiotics and painkillers.

All 77 patients are all recuperating well and will be back to their regular activities a few weeks post-surgery.

In April 2009 the 4th surgery camp was carried out in Madarounfa, where a total of 55 patients were operated on.

A 5th camp is scheduled for the end of May 2009 in Tillaberi region.

We want to thank Allan Lewis for his generous donation in helping to improve the quality of those suffering from the consequences of such neglected tropical diseases in Niger.