Incorporated in 2006 with a headquarter in Cape Town, OSSA is a group of medical volunteers with a mission to conduct free surgeries in African countries as well as to provide education to health care professionals.
In Madagascar, an OSSA office, located at the Carlton Hotel, has been operating for two years with a person in charge of receiving all documents and photographs.
Surgeries take place twice a year, mainly at Joseph Ravoahangy Andrianavalona Hospital, in the capital city, as well as at Hospital B in Toamasina and Antsirabe Hospital.
Patients come from all over the country to get tested or be taken care of, after having heard messages on national radio.
In each mission, approximately 300 to 500 people get tested, and at least 120 people, among which a dozen adults undergo a surgical operation. Some patients even travel up to 24 hours to meet doctors.
Generally, young children are selected for surgery, to allow them to speak properly and go to school.
EDL is a long-term partner to this association, and is committed to ensure the continuing success of the volunteer medical services to provide new lives for the beautiful children of Madagascar.
Last OSSA intervention in Madagascar occurred in April 2015 and the upcoming intervention will be held in September 2015.