Persons living with face deformities and other related diseases, residing in Douala, Littoral Region of the country, have begun benefitting from free consultation and surgeries from the not-for-profit organisation, Norma Fund Organisation.
The organisation created and owned by two former Indomitable Lions players, Roger Milla and Joseph Antoine Belle, is said to have brought in some medical doctors from France trained on maxillofacial surgery to be part of the campaign.
Maxillofacial surgery, notably, is a surgical specialty concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases affecting the mouth, jaws, face and neck.
According to medics, such deformities are caused by an infection on the face that was either neglected or not treated properly. The consultations and surger- ies are being carried out at the Douala Military Hospital.
Those who are currently benefiting from the campaign, were registered between February 15 and April 10. The campaign which started on April 17 will run for two weeks. The gesture of the Norma Fund Organisation has brought smiles to the faces of many.
Maxillofacial Surgeon working on patient says “Most parents are negligent and, in the end, the innocent baby grows looking different from others”. and I pray others can follow these footsteps,”
One of the maxillofacial surgeons from France explained that they treat facial trauma using reconstruction techniques with local flaps.
Another Surgeon, Doctor Raisa Pitham, is quoted to have said: “We have attended to so many persons already and most of them are waiting for their results while others are waiting for their treatment and we are here in Cameroon to help those who have facial deformity. We are doing this without collecting any money from them. Those who had registered are being well attended to especially children from 6 months of age. We focus more on kids because it is very easy to treat their faces now that they are still young compared to already grown men or women,” the medic said.
The team of medical doctors from France are working closely with local healthcare providers at the Douala Military Hospital to ensure that all patients receive the best possible care. They are also taking steps to educate local medical professionals about the latest techniques and practices in maxillofacial surgery.
He added: “We equally want to advise parents to be keen in observing their babies after birth and act fast once they notice any changes in the child’s looks.
“I am happy we are getting help from our own brothers and former footballers. This is great and I feel so happy being here today. I am proud of them” One of the patients who benefited from the said services, Nelson Njumising, shared his experience while expressing to the founders of the organisation.
Norma Fund Organisaiton, it should be said, is dedicated to providing medical aid and support to communities in need, particularly in Africa. The organisation has been active for several years and has made significant contributions to improving health.
By Abungha Joy
