The importance of a local cleft mission and its spread.

OBJECTIVES: Cleft lip or palate are very usual birth defects. This study aims to discuss a local cleft mission performed in Angola and some specifics on the topic. METHODS: This retrospective study assessed the main features of a local cleft mission conducted in September 2022. The mission was carried out at the Hospital Josina Machel in Luanda, Angola. Data was retrieved and analyzed. The Shapiro-Wilkes test and Pearson correlation were used and considered significant only at 95% confidence interval. RESULTS: Cleft missions are a difficult task. Logistical and financial problems are exacerbated by the extreme difficulty of recruiting patients, particularly in remote regions, far from major centers. Despite successful widespread, some surgeries have been postponed due to comorbidities, common in Africa. CONCLUSION: The organizers of the mission must be aware of the difficulty of attracting patients and must use different media such as television and radio. The internet needs to be used to the maximum and could reach a higher number of prospects.

Relationship between mysticism and severe odontogenic infections in Africa: what to do?

OBJECTIVE: This study is a case report of a severe odontogenic infection treated at Huambo Provincial Hospital, Angola. The case was made worse by local mysticism. CASE REPORT: A pregnant woman was treated for a severe odontogenic infection that caused descending mediastinitis and even a lumbar abscess. The patient died of this infection. A delay in attendance was crucial in this death. DISCUSSION: Patients from the African continent commonly experience life-threatening head and neck infections. These critical infections are rarely found in Europe or North America. The clinical situation is aggravated by local mysticism, along with poverty, lack of access to health facilities, and a shortage of skilled workers. Religious habits and the use of local herbs without scientific evidence can create difficult-to-manage situations. CONCLUSIONS: The authors believe this is the first report of an association between life-threatening odontogenic infection and mysticism. International collaboration, including teledentistry and continuing education, are critical to transforming this scene.