Training in reconstructive surgery and physiotherapy for the benefit of persons affected by leprosy was conducted for the third time, this year in Toraja and Ambon. For the third time, the Leprosy Mission Netherlands supported us in conducting the training course, which was led by Dr Wim Theuvenet and Dr Ton Schreuders, motivating so many with their energy, dedication and in-depth knowledge. Also on board for the third time was Dr Iswahyudi, orthopaedic surgeon at RS Tajuddin Chaled, the former leprosy hospital in Makassar, who is now perhaps the only surgeon in Indonesia who can help those affected by leprosy to restore their hand function. And, we also had Dr Diana Liben and Dr Sri Wahjuni with us in Toraja, who conducted a week-long training course on leprosy (diagnosis, treatment, complications) for the doctors at our host hospital RS Elim, and for the doctors at all 28 health centres in the North Toraja district. We are particularly happy about this tremendous commitment from the district health department North Toraja, which has responded to the fact that leprosy has not disappeared from their beautiful mountains, but only remains hidden and undetected. Taking part in the physiotherapy training were also the 10 cadres of “RBM Toraja“, a community-based rehabilitation centre, who are now able to help correcting myths about leprosy in the community. They brought in a number of children with disabilities due to other causes who were examined and advice provided. A young boy with severe hand deformities due to burns was successfully operated. 7 persons from different districts of South Sulawesi were operated during the week in Toraja! This was only possible because of the dedicated support by Elim Hospital with Dr Adrian Wijaya, Dr Yain Panggalo and their team, including Dr Fransiska Duma and the physiotherapists Rosmiati Datu Pamian and Yenni Kallung Pakiding.
In Ambon we were welcomed by the Direktur of RS. Sumber Hidup GPM Ambon, Dr Ivan Abednego, surgeon Dr Jacky Tuamelly, Dr Noy Mailoa, Dr Natalia (Rehab) and physiotherapist Maya Resky. 4 young man affected by leprosy were operated, and this is only the little tip of a huge iceberg of needs of rehabilitation for persons affected. The leprosy control program of Ambon provided very practical support to the training and to the surgery patients directly.
PerMaTa Toraja and PerMaTa Ambon, branches of the national organisation of people affected by leprosy, were the backbone of the training courses and supported us during these two weeks with all the preparations and through all obstacles.
Somoi Makassar (Harry van Nie), a loyal supporter, stepped in when we faced unexpected expenses. Thank you so much!
We thank everybody very much for their support and dedication! Thank you Wim and Ton! Thank you TLM Netherlands!
