In wartime, to receive U.S. support to meet local health needs represents a proposal for peace. This is how it is serving a team of 13 doctors from Plasticos Foundation, California Municipal Hospital Maracanau. From day 21, the doctors, together with three Brazilian surgeons Foundation for Community Development and Medical Assistance (FUNDAMED), are doing free reconstructive plastic surgery in children and teenagers.
Until Sunday, the team must complete 70 surgeries, mostly in children under 10 years of age. The procedures include repair of cleft lip, cleft palate, sequelae of burns, ear with cartilage far removed from the head ('protruding') and deformities of hands.
Entries were made for 15 days, totaling 100 people interested. After screening, 60 patients were approved, but the number should extend to 70.
"The world is too small to be separated with the madness of war and conflict. Our job is to work together, "says the head surgeon of the American team, Larry Nichter, adding that" cooperation and friendship between the peoples will always be stronger than any war. "
According to the coordinator of FUNDAMED, Harold Feidl, there are 4,000 people with cleft lip in Ceará. In Piaui, is 2,800. The indexes reflect that in addition to genetics, social conditions contribute to the occurrence. "The socio-economic conditions indicate what kind of nutrition to pregnant and will, therefore, the child," says Harold, who was in the Gulf War and was employee of the United Nations (UN).
In the case of genetic interference, we can not avoid. But a pre-natal done well can make a difference, "warns the Secretary of hospital management of the City of Maracanaú Francis Sales. In April, three other teams will do similar work at the hospital, due to demand.
