Benjatanivo’s relief after ten long years

Story by Antsatiana Gino Randrianasolo

Benjatanivo, a 65-year-old farmer, has lived with a hernia for the past ten years. For most of his life, he has worked the land to provide for his family, growing rice and cassava to eat and sell.

But income from his farming was never enough to pay for hernia surgery.

As Benjatanivo’s condition worsened, he became too weak to work, and his two children began caring for him.

“We knew we could not afford a normal surgery,” Benjatanivo said. “We wouldn’t have waited ten years if we had the money.”

But a few kilometres away from their village, MAF flew in HoverAid doctors to provide medical care. The clinic aimed to help people living around the town of Nosy Varika, on the southeast coast of Madagascar.

“We heard from the radio that the doctors were coming,” said Domy, Benjatanivo’s thirty-year-old son. Together with his children, Benjatanivo travelled by canoe and then walked for over two hours from their home in the small village of Ambojiaramy.

“We have a local health center in our village, but it’s badly under-equipped, so for anything serious, people must travel to Nosy Varika,” Domy added.

For over ten years, MAF has partnered with HoverAid to fly volunteer doctors to remote villages where people otherwise have no access to medical care.

HoverAid Medical Project Manager Maholinirianaharijaona Sidonie Tatiana described their mission-multiplying partnership with MAF.

“Thanks to MAF we could extend our mission, and we have been serving in Nosy Varika for two years now, flying in and out twice a year,” she said.

Benjatanivo’s family first brought him when the medical team initially came a year ago, but he couldn’t be treated because there were simply too many patients. Fortunately, this time, he was received and, after assessment, underwent a successful surgery free of charge.

“The hernia made me weak and unable to move much,” said Benjatanivo. “But now I will be strong again and hopefully play with my grandchildren.”

Dr Robert Soloniaina Maurice Vincent, the district’s chief doctor and surgeon, explained how the partnership benefits those most in need.

“I’ve worked with HoverAid and MAF on several occasions. These missions help us treat the most vulnerable people,” said Robert.

For Benjatanivo and his children, the operation marked the end of years of worry and waiting.

“He is our only parent left, since our mom already passed away,” said Elaly, his 23-year-old daughter.

“My dad has been struggling for many years, and I’m happy that he will be doing well now,” added Domy.