Based on a high incidence of inoperable cancer of the esophagus, SOS helped implement a program to procure stents and provide training. An expert in the use of stents in low resources settings was flown to Malawi and two training sessions were conducted, one in the capital, Lilongwe, and one in Blantyre. Over a dozens surgeons and physicians were trained and nearly 50 nurses received training on palliation and care of patients with esophageal stents.
The programs was a great success and over 220 stents were placed. The results were documented and published in the peer-reviewed Journal of Surgical Oncology.
SOS members have also worked closely with surgeons at the Kamuzu Central Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital. Plans are underway to conduct the SOSAS survey in Malawi.