Niger/Mali: Training Health Professionals In War Surgery

Niger/Mali: Training Health Professionals In War Surgery

Niamey/Bamako (ICRC) – Some 30 health practitioners from Niger and Mali will familiarize themselves with techniques specific to war surgery at a workshop organized by the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Niamey from 16 to 18 September.

"This workshop, the second of its kind after a similar event in 2008, aims to expand the capabilities of health services working in a situation that really does involve patients with gunshot wounds or maimed by mines who require treatment," said Jean-Nicolas Marti, head of the ICRC delegation for Niger.

Over three days, surgeons, anaesthetists, nurses and physiotherapists, some of whom work for army health services, will have the opportunity to share experiences and discuss topics as varied as wound ballistics, mass casualty management, hygiene, bandaging techniques and the physical rehabilitation of amputees.

"This will be an opportunity to pass on in a pragmatic way the ICRC's know-how in treating war casualties in situations where only limited resources are available, an expertise based on more than 50 years of experience," said Dr Hassan Nasreddine, the ICRC's chief surgeon, who will address the workshop.

In Niger and Mali, where the ICRC has been working for several years, health-care facilities and major vaccination campaigns are among the recipients of the organization's support. Gao Hospital, the largest medical facility in the north of Mali, is entirely supported by the ICRC. In Niger, the ICRC has upgraded the physical rehabilitation centre in Niamey Hospital.

ENDS

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