Bahamas Mission Trip

From the innovative spirit of an American foot surgeon, valuing the wellbeing of his patients, to becoming a global company, we have remained true to our values!

This is why we decided to sponsor the Ministry of Health supported Barry University Medical Mission Trip 2-10 March 2024 led by Dr Shanika Hill, in the island nation of The Bahamas.

Over the course of 6 days, over 50 students and staff from Barry University Podiatric Medical School in Florida, together with volunteers and DARCO employees from the USA and UK, treated over 1200 patients across 11 clinic locations on 2 islands. For the first time in the 3-year history of the programme a surgical day was offered providing minimally-invasive surgery for those patients most in need. DARCO donated over 850 foot and ankle devices.

But why is our help in places like the Bahamas so important?

When we think of the Bahamas, we may not always fully realise the many challenges that this island nation faces.
 

• How do people come to see a podiatrist in the first place?

With 30 inhabited islands, a population of over 400,000 and only 4 podiatrists in the entire country (all of whom are based on New Providence Island) it's a difficult endeavour. In addition, internal flights are expensive and often disrupted during the hurricane season.
 

• Availability of healthy food

Imported food is prohibitively expensive. And so the consumption of fast food, sugary and starchy foods is on the rise. Combined with a sedentary lifestyle, this is leading to growing obesity and an alarming rise in cardiovascular disease, diabetes and prediabetic cases. In 2019, it was estimated that around 11.5 % of the population was living with diabetes and around 6.8 % with pre-diabetes. The Bahamas now also exceeds the regional prevalence for overweight and obesity prevalence (71.1 % versus 62.4 %).

The project was a complete success, not only for the patients receiving medical treatment, but also for us. We were able to learn about the challenges faced by healthcare providers in a country with complex environmental and health issues and how we can make our expertise and products more accessible to carers and patients.

We accompanied the project with our mobile phones together with local Cinematographer/Photographer, Jyles Etienne.

Enjoy watching!