FIMAC Onlus

A mission to Bubanza was undertaken to “our” hospital in Burundi from January 17 to February 7, 2018. I was joined by Dr Piero Petricca (the organiser) and nurse Mara Carrupt from “ANDARE OLTRE ONLUS” Foundation, an institution that has always worked in close collaboration with FIMAC ONLUS. 35 patients were operated on and treated for the following pathologies: osteomyelitis, malformations, trauma and burns. Also, two total hip replacement surgeries were performed by Dr Petricca, with the assistance of Mara Carrupt.

We continue to treat patients with osteomyelitis using antibiotic cement (gentamicin or gentamicin with vancomycin) a technique that seems to offer encouraging results (see Acti Accademia Lancisiana, Volume 61, No. 4 2017, available online at the Lancisiana Academy website).

Future activity in the program will be widespread testing for sickle cell anaemia using the rapid test method. Sickle cell anaemia or sickle cell disease is a genetic-based haemoglobinopathy widely present in central Africa and linked significantly to osteomyelitis. I have organised and will moderate “Haematogenous Osteomyelitis in Africa”, a symposium to be held June 19, 2018 at the Lancisiana Academy in Rome.  This Academy has offered its patronage to FIMAC ONLUS since 2012. Participation is open to all and, for those interested, a certificate of participation will be issued on request.

Dr Pietro Ortensi