Medical and Surgical Missions to Viet Nam:
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Purpose: To provide free reconstructive surgery in Viet Nam for children who suffer physically or emotionally from a congenital deformity or burn injury. Many endure a lifetime of suffering and disability simply because they have no access to the reconstructive surgical care that would help them regain functional mobility or improve their physical appearance. We know the importance of education and training for our host country’s medical professionals. We provide educational and training opportunities for skilled and dedicated health care providers, assisting in skills transfer of specialized burn treatment and physical therapy.

 

Asia Connection Inc. began its involvement with medical and surgical missions in February of 2002 when an ACI board member accompanied such a mission to Viet Nam. In February of 2003 he made arrangements for the first patients to travel from Kontum to Ho Chi Minh City for surgical repair of congenital facial (cleft) deformities during the surgical mission. This was repeated in March 2004. In 2005 and again in 2006 a burn surgeon accompanied the medical team to work specifically with burn survivors.


   
            Kontum orphan, before surgery, 2003                                      After surgery, 2007


During each medical trip to Viet Nam prospective patients were sought in Kontum who needed surgical intervention. Arrangements were made for them to travel to Ho Chi Minh City for surgery.

Following the 2006 mission the burn professionals determined that a significant need existed in that country for additional surgical intervention, and so discussed options for future burn-specific missions to Viet Nam. At this point ACI was asked to organize and seek support for a burn-specific medical team and mission trips to Viet-Nam.

The first independent Burn and Facial Reconstruction Mission to Viet Nam was in September 2006. It was followed by the second and third mission trips in January and October of 2007. Over 150 burn survivors have received life-altering reconstructive surgery since 2005.


 
                                                                     Burn patients

Our goal is to make 2 medical trips a year, around March and September. The funding and equipment for these missions are attained through fund-raising activities including team member, private and corporate donations. Funding includes transportation, lodging, medical supplies & equipment, shipping and hospital-incurred costs.  A stipend is also given to the burn survivors and their families for food and other necessities while at the hospital. In addition, patient educational materials have been translated into the Vietnamese language.

 
    Dr. Fox, John Havican, caregivers and patients
            with medical missions to Viet Nam
  

Our medical team is small and we depend significantly on the assistance and caring of the competent host medical professionals at the National Institute of Odonto – Stomatology, Ho Chi Minh City, Viet Nam. Surgical Team Members include: one or two Surgeons; Anesthetist; an OR nurse and a Recovery Nurse; a Physical Therapist; and a Coordinator/Interpreter. The cost to provide medical care for one patient averages about $425 to $500.


If you would like to specifically assist the Burn and Facial Reconstruction Mission, we would appreciate any tax-deductible contribution you would care to make. Thank you.                

 

         Please make checks payable to:    

                                   Asia Connection Inc.

                                               C/o John Havican, Program Director

                                               14808 Afshari Circle

                                                Florissant, MO.   63034-1502    phone: 314-921-7949