We have set up and are running Malawi’s first ever Hand Unit at The Lilongwe Institute of Orthopaedics and Neurosurgery (LION) which is an autonomous not-for-profit institution in Malawi. The BSSH and BAHT are working with and training local surgeons, trainees and therapists to deliver and educate in patient care.

About LION and Malawi

LION is a new purpose built healthcare facility attached to the Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH) in Lilongwe, the capital city of Malawi. It is the largest trauma receiving centre. Malawi has the 3rd highest rate of road traffic deaths in the World. Hand and wrist trauma is very common and often associated with interpersonal violence. Many of these injuries are complex, commonly present late and often neglected or under treated.

How we can help ?

The British Society for Surgery of the Hand (BSSH) in collaboration with The British Association of Hand Therapists (BAHT) aims to assist LION in the delivery of treatment for elective and traumatic conditions of the hand. The team on the ground are upskilling the hand and orthopaedic service through engaging in training at all levels and treating large numbers of patients with challenging hand and wrist conditions, including fractures, multiple tendon injuries and infections.

How you can help ?

This is a 5-year project which involves significant input from BSSH and BAHT volunteers who devote weeks and months to deliver care in the specialist hand clinics and regular hand trauma and elective lists, whilst promoting sustainability through the education and training of local colleagues. All of this is costing between £90,000 - £100,000 per year. Please do support us and our partners in Malawi to deliver this exciting and inspirational project to leave a sustainable hand service by 2028. Anything you can give will be gratefully received and help transform the lives of those who have been affected by hand trauma and disability in a limited resource setting.

"Thank you for helping us to heal the hands of Malawi"