Milestones
2007
HAND SURGERY CENTRE IN SIERRA LEONE
The first Hand Surgery Centre was opened in Makeni, Sierra Leone, following the devastating aftermath of the 1999 civil war. During the conflict, thousands of children suffered the traumatic loss of fingers and hands due to atrocities committed by rebels.
Over the next three years, our teams performed surgical reconstruction and provided ongoing care with prosthetics, restoring physical abilities but also hope for the future.
2015
FIRST MISSION TO INDIA
GICAM’s first humanitarian mission in India marked the beginning of an ongoing collaboration with the CRHP (Comprehensive Rural Healthcare Project – www.crhpindia.org), at the Julia Hospital in Jamkhed, in the state of Maharashtra. This first intervention laid the foundations for a stable relationship with the local structure, inspired by common goals of accessibility and quality of care.
Over the years, more than 25 surgical camps have been organised through the contribution of international volunteers and the local health personnel.
2016
MEETING WITH HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA
President Prof. Marco Lanzetta Bertani met with His Holiness the Dalai Lama in New Delhi. During this significant moment, the Dalai Lama expressed words of appreciation and encouragement for the commitment and dedication that characterize the humanitarian work of the Foundation. This meeting represented a precious source of inspiration and confirmation of the value of our contribution in improving the lives of those who are most vulnerable.
2017
DONATION OF POPE FRANCIS
The President of the Foundation had the honor of meeting Pope Francis in Rome, where the Pontiff donated a supercar to be auctioned, donating the proceeds to GICAM. A gesture of great generosity that concretely supports our mission.
2024
AGREEMENT WITH GOA MEDICAL COLLEGE
Establishment of a Hand Surgery Unit at the Super Specialty Block of the Goa Medical College.
The agreement represents an important step towards structuring a permanent reference center in the region, dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of hand diseases. The collaboration also includes joint training activities for local doctors, aimed at developing specialized skills and creating an autonomous team in the long term.
​
