A note from the Haiti Outreach-Pwoje Espwa Medical Director
The Spring sun dawned a little earlier this morning. Early mornings are when I do my daily walk through the hospital, and always past the ASB delivery room. Today, my attention was particularly drawn to a harmonic cry, for me it was a golden moment of joy that is hard to describe. I couldn’t help but seek the origin of this new melody that landed so gently on my ears. For me, this was a majestic announcement…the arrival of a newborn baby in perfect health.
It filled me with an immense contentment to look into those innocent eyes, already looking out at the world; and so alive as she was drawn to her mother’s breast, mouth open… seeking to thrive.
I couldn't help but go back to the years when this baby’s survival would have been all about luck. Our capabilities in those early days were so limited. We did all that we could with our insufficient resources. All too often they were inadequate, and we left the delivery room with a heavy heart.
Today everything is different. What a joy for me to see this transformation! My relief is enormous. Seeing new life is a gift that everyone can appreciate.
Today I am thinking of you.
You are such extraordinary mothers who have worked for so many years to change the lives of mothers and babies in Borgne. On behalf of all of us here, I thank you from my heart.
Thony Voltaire, MD
Medical Director, Borgne Health Alliance
Haiti Outreach-Pwoje Espwa