• Firestone Liberia and Children’s Surgery International have partnered for 11 years, bringing specialized surgical services to the children in Liberian communities. The 2023 mission will be the 12th year CSI has visited Firestone Liberia.
• The medical mission will focus on helping infants to 20-year-olds that suffer from general pediatric conditions. All care given and procedures performed will be free of charge to the families.
• Providing additional free medical care to children in need illustrates the value ‘Empowerment,’ one of the eight values outlined in the Bridgestone E8 Commitment. 

Firestone Liberia and Children’s Surgery International (CSI), a nonprofit volunteer organization, will partner for a 12th year and hold a surgical mission in January 2023. The surgical mission will be held January 16 through January 20 at the Firestone Medical Center in Duside. All care given and procedures performed will be free for participating families. 

CSI, along with members of the Firestone Liberia medical team, will perform operations and will treat infants to 20-year-olds with general pediatric conditions, including imperforate anus, urological issues, hypospadias and hernia removal to name a few. The Firestone Medical Center began screenings in September 2022, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for those interested in receiving care during the January mission. Screenings will conclude December 29, 2022.

“The care that CSI provides during these missions is vital to the health of our communities,” said Doctor Benedict Wollor, medical director, Firestone Liberia. “We are incredibly grateful for the partnership we have formed with CSI over the years and for the positive effect these medical professionals have made on the families here on the farm and the neighboring communities.”

During their week-long trip, members of the CSI team will also hold educational sessions and hands-on bedside training for local health care professionals, as well as additional work in surrounding communities. In years past, CSI conducted de-worming activities for more than 3,500 children in and around the concession. 

Since the first mission to Firestone in 2010, the CSI medical team, in partnership with Firestone, have performed more than 800 free surgical operations for Liberian children. The societal impact programs like these have on Firestone communities speak directly to the Bridgestone E8 Commitment, specifically, the value ‘Empowerment,’ which is defined by ensuring accessibility and dignity for all.

For more information about the January 2023 CSI surgical mission, please contact +231-777-012-573 or +231-777-039-017.