Seven Sins of Humanitarian Medicine

Abstract

The need for humanitarian assistance throughout the world is almost unlimited. Surgeons who go on humanitarian missions are definitely engaged in a noble cause. However, not infrequently, despite the best of intentions, errors are made in attempting to help others. The following are seven areas of concern: 1. Leaving a mess behind. 2. Failing to match technology to local needs and abilities. 3. Failing of non-governmental organizations (NGO's) to cooperate and help each other, and and accept help from military organizations. 4. Failing to have a follow-up plan. 5. Allowing politics, training, or other distracting goals to trump service, while representing the mission as "service". 6. Going where we are not wanted, or needed and/or being poor guests. 7. Doing the right thing for the wrong reason. The goal of this report is to discuss these potential problems, with ideas presented about how we might do humanitarian missions more effectively.

Con: Pure service delivery is no longer needed in global surgical missions

“…Certains sont d'avis que les missions humanitaires font en fait plus de mal que de bien. 6 Grimes et coll. ont présenté un ensemble de recommandations afin d'aider les partenariats et les missions à optimiser leur efficacité et minimiser le risque de tort potentiel.…”

“…There are those who think that humanitarian missions may actually cause more harm than good. 6 Grimes et al proposed a set of recommendations to help partnerships and missions maximize their effectiveness and minimize the risk of potential harm. These recommendations emphasize the following policies: 1) Individuals should use existing programs to identify appropriate placements that match their skill set.…”

Beyond Absolutism: Guiding Principles Needed for Humanitarian Medicine: Letter to the Editor

“…Welling et al [1] frame their argument by comparing common humanitarian mistakes to the medieval concept of cardinal sins. By definition, cardinal sins were errors in action or thought that were never justifiable.…”

Haitian reflections

“…One good rule is to offer the types of procedures that are minimally invasive, to relieve immediate discomfort, and that require little follow-up care, especially for missions that are short-term.' 5 If you cannot assist, rather refer, look for expertise, relieve pain but never compromise your ethics.…”