Kingstown, St. Vincent & the Grenadines – World Pediatric Project (“WPP”) recently hosted a double team here in
St. Vincent at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital (“MCMH”). The two teams that arrived were the WPP
Ophthalmology and Plastic Surgery (Reconstructive) teams which both had their clinics on Sunday February 11th
2024 at MCMH. Though the team compositions were smaller compared to other teams, they assessed a significantnumber of children; both local and regional.
The Ophthalmology team assessed a total of 57 patients with varying conditions that affect or impair the eye and
the children’s ability to see. 19 surgeries were scheduled to be done between Monday 12th and Friday 16th 2024.
Some of the conditions identified were Keratoconus, Cataracts and Strabismus, more commonly known as
“crossed eyes”. There was a total of 52 local patients, 2 from Barbados, 2 from Dominica and 1 from Grenada.
Assessing the children was WPP’s very own Dr. Donna Browne who has been a longstanding member of the
organization and also sits on the WPP board. On her team was her daughter Dr. Karen Browne – Oculoplastic
surgeon, Dr. Tanuj Nakra – Oculoplastic surgeon, Mary O’Hanley – Nurse Anesthetist, and Lisa Sizemore – Nurse.
Along with them was local Ophthalmologist, Dr. Charisse Grant-Ledger as well as local staff and OR Nurses.
On the other hand, was the Plastic Surgery team that was led by Dr. Nadia Blanchet, also a longstanding member
of the organization. On her team was Dr. Aaron Foglio – Plastic surgery resident, Dr. Jay Stone – Anesthesiologist,
Marilyn Bagen – OR Tech, Nancy Sterling – Nurse Anesthetist. Helping the team was local Pediatric General
Surgeon, Dr. Jasmine Ellis-Davy. The team saw a total of 39 children on clinic day with 14 pediatric, reconstructive
surgeries such as gynecomastia (removal of breast tissue in males) scheduled to take place between Monday 12th
February to Friday 16th February 2024. This team attended to conditions that varied from children with unusual
skin masses to burn patients as well as children with excessively enlarged breasts (both male and female). There
were 34 local patients, 2 from Dominica, 2 from St. Lucia and 1 from Grenada.
Both teams were graciously sponsored by The Mustique Charitable Foundation who WPP expresses their fervent
gratitude to as the missions will not be possible without it. The help the children receive today will have a positive
long-term outcome for their future.
Persons interested in supporting the work of WPP can contact the local office at 784-451-2989. WPP continues to
prioritize the medical needs of our children and enhance the lives of their families, ensuring no child is left behind.
The work of WPP and its impact can be followed at www.worldpediatricproject.org.