For Immediate Release

Worldwide Surgical Missions, Friends of the Order of Malta in Africa, and the Permanent Representation of the Order of Malta to the African Union Announce Successful Fundraiser Supporting Medical Aid in Burundi

Atlanta, GA — October 24, 2025 — Worldwide Surgical Missions (WSM), in conjunction with the Friends

of the Order of Malta in Africa and the Permanent Representation of the Order of Malta to the

African Union, is pleased to announce the successful completion of a fundraising event held

on October 23 at 6:00 PM at a private residence in Atlanta.

The evening gathering brought together 18 supporters, including members of the Atlanta Region of the Order of Malta such as Hospitalier Patty Turpin, Major General & Mrs. Tom Wessels, and other distinguished guests. Food and décor for the event were generously provided by Rodney and Clarissa Southworth, parishioners of Holy Spirit Catholic Church.

The fundraiser generated over $30,000, all of which will be directed toward critical medical and logistical support for healthcare initiatives in Burundi.

Allocation of Funds

The funds raised will support several high-impact medical needs, including:

• 20 field hospital beds

• A dual-power generator for use in a Burundi refugee camp

• Air-conditioning units for the Stamm Foundation Hospital

• Purchase of a shipping container, which will remain in Burundi for future use as a potential clinic

• Additional new and refurbished medical equipment for regional hospitals, including:

o An operating microscope

o Medical monitors

o An operating room table

o Respirators

o Other essential surgical and diagnostic devices

These supplies will significantly strengthen the medical infrastructure serving vulnerable populations in the region. Funds will also help underwrite travel for a bioengineer and registered

nurse during a planned mission trip in spring 2026. An anesthesiologist and ophthalmologist are also expected to join the mission team, self-funded. Coordination is currently underway to align the mission’s arrival with that of a German plastic surgery team, which traditionally works in the region during the week prior to Easter, maximizing the impact of multiple humanitarian medical teams on the ground.

About Worldwide Surgical Missions

Worldwide Surgical Missions (WSM) is a U.S.-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to bringing surgical care and infrastructure to underserved regions worldwide. The

organization is led by world-renowned neurosurgeon Dr. Arthur Grigorian, together with a multidisciplinary team including physician assistant Leigh Beasley and biomedical engineer

Chris Menard. WSM’s mission is to provide support to areas affected by conflict, natural disaster, and lack of resources by delivering surgical training, donating medical equipment, and

partnering with local healthcare facilities. Focusing on long-term impact, WSM assesses the needs of healthcare systems abroad, then raises funds and sources equipment to strengthen local

programs and empower medical professionals. With campaigns in countries such as Armenia, Ethiopia, Ukraine and others, WSM works to ensure that lifesaving surgery reaches those who

need it most.

World Surgical Missions- www.worldwidesurgicalmissions.org

Dr. Arthur Grigorian

Arthur.grigorian@worldwidesurgicalmissions.org

About the Permanent Representation of the Sovereign Order of Malta to the African

Union Commission

The Permanent Representation of the Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of St. John of Jerusalem of Rhodes and of Malta (commonly the Order of Malta) to the African Union

Commission serves as the diplomatic and humanitarian liaison between the Order’s global relief mission and the African Union’s (“AU”) policy, peace, and health-oriented agenda.

Located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the Representation advances the Order’s centuries-old commitment to the care of the sick and vulnerable by collaborating with AU member states

and partners to support healthcare infrastructure, humanitarian relief, and resilience-building in Africa. It fosters multilateral engagement, promotes humanitarian diplomacy

within AU frameworks, and leverages the Order’s medical-charitable networks across the continent to contribute to the AU’s sustainable development and regional well-being

objectives.

Order of Malta at the African Union- www.aucrepresentation.orderofmalta.int

Ambassador Michael P. Murphy, KMOb

m.murphy@orderofmalta.int