Tanzania 2026: Returning to Tumbi to Train, Treat and Build Sustainable Surgical Capacity
From 25 to 29 May 2026, 2nd Chance returned to Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital in Tanzania for the first field mission of the year.
More than a workshop, this mission reflects the long-term vision that guides all of our activities: strengthening local expertise, improving access to reconstructive surgery, and building sustainable surgical capacity across Africa.
Training the next generation
This Basic Reconstructive Surgery Workshop brought together 15 surgical trainees from 10 African countries: Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Somalia, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Mozambique.
Representing the next generation of reconstructive surgeons, the participants spent five intensive days developing their theoretical knowledge and practical understanding of reconstructive surgery.
A key component of the programme involved case presentations. Each trainee presented a reconstructive surgery case before faculty members and fellow participants, demonstrating clinical reasoning, treatment planning and surgical decision-making.
Beyond technical skills, the workshop provided a unique opportunity to learn from peers facing similar challenges across different healthcare systems and countries.
Treating patients and restoring function
Training and patient care go hand in hand at 2nd Chance.
During the workshop, 11 patients, including six children, underwent reconstructive surgical procedures. Many had been living for years with conditions affecting their mobility, function and quality of life.
For these patients, surgery represents far more than a medical intervention. It can mean returning to school, resuming work, regaining independence and participating fully in community life.
The mission also included follow-up consultations for patients operated on during previous workshops in Tumbi. Reviewing outcomes and ensuring continuity of care is an essential part of our commitment to patients and local healthcare teams.
The strength of the Train-the-Trainer model
The mission was led by Dr Pierre Quinodoz and supported by trainers Dr Pedro Santos (Mozambique) and Dr Edward Wayi (Tanzania).
Their presence illustrates one of the most important aspects of the 2nd Chance model.
Both surgeons first participated in 2nd Chance training programmes years ago. Today, they return as trainers, sharing their expertise with the next generation of surgical trainees.
This Train-the-Trainer approach ensures that knowledge remains within the region and continues to multiply long after each workshop ends.
The mission also welcomed Dr Matteo Scampa, MD (HUG), participating in his first mission as a 2nd Chance trainer, as well as Johan Steulet, a Master’s student in Medicine at HUG gaining valuable field experience in reconstructive surgery.
Marianne de Rossi Colelough, Secretary General of 2nd Chance, also took part in the mission, alongside Veronica Forin and Emmanuel Cour, supporting coordination and implementation activities throughout the week.
Behind every certificate is future access to care
At the conclusion of the workshop, certificates were awarded to all participants.
Jointly issued by 2nd Chance and Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital, these certificates recognize the successful completion of the Basic Reconstructive Surgery Workshop.
Yet their significance extends far beyond the end of a training programme.
Each participant will continue their surgical education before returning to serve patients in their respective countries. The knowledge and skills acquired during this workshop will contribute to improving access to reconstructive surgery for people affected by burns, trauma, congenital conditions and other disabling injuries.
Behind every certificate is future access to care.
Building partnerships that last
The success of this mission reflects the strength of a long-standing collaboration between 2nd Chance and Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital.
Special thanks go to Dr Silas Msangi, Local Coordinator, and Dr Tanya Mahalu, Lead Anesthesiologist, whose leadership and commitment were instrumental to the success of the workshop.
We also extend our sincere thanks to the hospital leadership, healthcare teams, participating trainees and partners whose collaboration made this mission possible.
Looking forward
Every 2nd Chance mission is designed to create impact that extends well beyond a single week of training.
By investing in future specialists, supporting local healthcare teams and ensuring patient follow-up, we are helping build a sustainable future for reconstructive surgery across Africa.
15 trainees. 10 countries. 11 patients treated.
And countless patients who will benefit from these skills in the years to come.
