A teenage boy from Namalazi 2 Kaposhi rural community in Kaoma, Western Province, is recovering following emergency surgery performed by ZFDS Surgeon Dr. Kelly Makonko. The operation became necessary after a snakebite incident over a week ago resulted in the loss of his right index finger.

The boy was out with friends searching for mice—a common activity among children in the area—when he reached into a hole and was bitten by what is believed to be a cytotoxic snake, known for causing severe tissue damage. The venom caused cellulitis and eventually dry gangrene of the finger.

According to his grandmother, this was the boy's second snakebite. He survived a previous incident the year before after traditional treatment was applied. However, this time the same remedies proved ineffective. The delay in seeking medical care at Mangango Mission Hospital allowed the condition to deteriorate until the finger became gangrenous.

Dr. Makonko performed a disarticulation of the right index finger to remove the dead tissue and prevent infection from spreading. The procedure was successful thanks to coordination by the ZFDS team, which included Patrick Chingumbe and Emmanuel Nyau (Anaesthetists), Simon Tembo (Theatre Nurse), and Catherine Liyato (Cleaner).

Dr. Makonko noted concern about the psychological impact of losing such a functional digit. "The index finger plays a big role in writing, holding objects, and performing everyday tasks. He may need counselling," he explained.

In other news A 27-year-old mother of four from Mayukwayukwa Refugee Camp came forward when she learned the ZFDS team was visiting, hoping for treatment of severe keloids that have plagued her for six years. What began as small pimples gradually developed into large, painful, and itchy keloid growths.

The woman described how the condition has impacted nearly every aspect of her daily life. The pain and size of the growths have made it impossible for her to do piecework, work in the fields, or even carry her youngest child on her back. She expressed desperate hope for relief and willingness to travel to any hospital for proper treatment.

Dr. Kelly Makonko assessed her condition and determined it requires specialized care from plastic surgeons. Recommendations were made to Lewanika General Hospital, which is expected to refer the patient to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) in Lusaka for further management.

These are some of the rare cases found in the rural parts of our Country and we continue to bridge the gap to ensure health care is accessible to all.