From February 3rd to 7th, 2025, 2nd Chance held its first training mission of the year at Tumbi Regional Referral Hospital (Tanzania) in collaboration with COSECSA (College of Surgeons of East, Central and Southern Africa). This Basic Course in Reconstructive Surgery brought together a multidisciplinary team of surgeons, anesthetists, and operating theater nurses for an intensive week of learning, hands-on practice, and collaboration.
A Strong and Diverse Team
Head of Mission :
🔹 Dr. Roba KHUNDKAR (UK)
Trainers :
🔹 Dr. Angela MUOKI (Kenya),
🔹 Dr. Lydys YONAEL (Ethiopia),
🔹 Dr. Bérénice MUTINOT (Switzerland)
COSECSA Students :
A total of 16 surgical trainees from 8 countries—Tanzania, Ethiopia, Somalia, Cameroon, Gambia, Zambia, Namibia, and DRC—participated in the training, led by experienced professionals:
A Comprehensive Learning Experience
The workshop covered three parallel specialties, ensuring a well-rounded approach to reconstructive surgery:
✅ Reconstructive surgery (basic course) – Essential techniques for managing burn contractures and soft tissue reconstruction.
✅ Anesthesia – Advanced perioperative management to ensure patient safety during complex procedures.
✅ Operating theater nurse care – Specialized training to optimize surgical teamwork and efficiency.
Hands-On Training & Team Building
Beyond technical skills, team cohesion was a key focus. Participants engaged in simulations and hands-on exercises, including a blindfolded square team-building activity, fostering communication and trust between surgeons, anesthetists, and OT nurses—key components for a successful surgical team.
Transforming Lives
💙 20 patients received life-changing surgeries, all for post-burn contractures on hands, with half of them being children.
💙 Around 10 patients from 2024 returned for follow-up care, ensuring their continued recovery.
A Mission That Extends Beyond One Week
As the workshop concluded, participants left not only with new surgical skills but also with a renewed sense of purpose and teamwork. This 9th mission in Tumbi further strengthens local capacity, ensuring that more patients in East Africa will have access to safe, high-quality reconstructive surgery in the future.
🙏 This mission was made possible thanks to the dedication of our trainers, the enthusiasm of our participants, and the generous support of our partners and donors. Together, we rebuild lives.
