Oklahoma Osteopathic Physician Begins Medical Mission in Togo

MANGO, Togo — Oklahoma osteopathic physician and OOA Board member, Dr. Jason Regan, has begun an international medical mission to Togo, West Africa, where he and fellow volunteers are delivering critical medical supplies and equipment to support patient care at the Hospital of Hope in Mango.

The mission team arrived in Lomé, Togo, on the evening of Sept. 12 after transporting approximately 250 pounds of medical equipment, missionary supplies and hospital materials. Among the items were cardiac monitors, cardiac monitor leads, orthopedic hardware used in fracture care, dermatome blades for skin graft procedures, and surgical scrubs.

Upon arrival, the team encountered an unexpected challenge when customs officials detained them and their luggage for additional inspection. Multiple customs officers questioned the purpose and destination of the medical supplies, particularly the cardiac monitoring equipment and orthopedic materials.

“We prayed, stayed calm and smiled a lot,” Regan said while recounting the experience.

The customs review lasted several hours as officials sought clarification regarding the equipment and its intended use. One customs officer recognized the Hospital of Hope in Mango and helped explain the destination and purpose of the supplies. Ultimately, a senior customs official contacted a supervisor for guidance late Saturday evening.

After receiving approval, customs officials released the equipment and allowed the team to continue their journey.

“It was a relief,” Regan said. “We had packed some of our personal clothing and food with the hospital and missionary supplies. If the shipment had been seized, we would have lost those items as well.”

The team departed the airport and arrived at their hotel shortly before midnight.

On Sept. 13, the volunteers began the approximately 10- to 11-hour drive north from Lomé to Mango, where they expected to arrive at the Hospital of Hope and begin their medical service work.

The mission reflects the ongoing commitment of osteopathic physicians to improving health care access and serving communities in need both at home and abroad. Additional updates from the mission are expected as the team begins providing support and medical care in the region.