In December 2025, Med Surg Support carried out a mission of a new kind in Ethiopia, entirely dedicated to the maintenance of operating room equipment. Prompted by the recurring breakdowns observed during previous stays (insufflators, electrosurgical units, sterilization), it brought together volunteer biomedical engineers David Laurent, Kader Omar, and Kevin Bellenger, recruited through Humatem and the AFIB around a threefold objective: to diagnose the state of the equipment fleet, assess sterilization practices, and identify resource people capable of carrying a sustainable maintenance program. Organized with Dr. Efeson and Dr. Segni (MIS Africa), it marks the beginning of a collaboration between MIS Africa, Humatem, the AFIB, and Med Surg Support.

Visits to facilities in Addis Ababa (Zewditu, Yekatit 12, Menelik, and the Korean Hospital), then in Bishoftu, Adama, and Assela, produced a contrasting assessment: in the public sector, outdated equipment derived 99% from heterogeneous humanitarian donations, with no in-house investment and a major storage and organization problem; in the private sector (MCM Korean Hospital), a markedly higher standard thanks to equipment purchased in-house and plasma sterilization. Everywhere, the same observations: expired O2 cells, poorly maintained autoclaves, hazardous electrical installations, and equipment sitting idle due to simple issues of parts, software, or after-sales service.

The training of 12 biomedical engineers and 6 nurses confirmed the group’s appetite for hands-on work: the diagnostic and preventive maintenance workshops (cold light source, microscope, fuses) were especially appreciated. The presentation on 3D printing with its low entry cost and strong potential for self-sufficiency in producing spare parts won over the teams, opening up the prospect of a dedicated center in Addis. The mission was punctuated by equipment donations, the awarding of diplomas, and the signing of an MOU between MIS Africa and Med Surg Support.

In the end, a success: the mission brought together the Ethiopian biomedical community, identified key local champions (notably Sami, in Assela), and outlined synergies between the public and private sectors. The next steps are set: a new training session in 2026 building on the participants who have become trainers, the rollout of 3D printing, and substantive technical work—inventorying the equipment fleets, preventive maintenance schedules, and supply channels for spare parts.