This mission brought Drs. Clifford Wheeless, Marcella Roenneburg, Charles Ascher-Walsh, Alfred Bent, Charles Canady, Lt. Colonel Jeff Clemons, Elaine Waetjen, Megan Huchko, and Andrea Wang to Niger. Roger Thurow, of the Wall Street Journal, also joined us to prepare a story for his newspaper.
It was a return trip for Dr. Roenneburg – who was accompanied by her teenaged daughter, Rachel. It was quite an opportunity for Rachel to “experience” Niger – to help with the women and children in the courtyard, and to assist her Mom during examinations by holding the hands of the patients, stroking their heads, and talking quietly to reassure them. It didn’t matter that Rachel didn’t speak their language – just being there with them during the exams was so calming for these frightened girls. Rachel also had collected money from her fellow classmates in Baltimore in order to help us purchase mosquito nets for students in an English Club at CES Rive Droite School in Niamey. The nets are part of a program to prevent malaria, a huge problem in Niger – one that kills children in larger numbers than HIV/AIDS!!! We are all very proud of Rachel and her accomplishments during her visit to Niamey.
In his second trip to Niger, Dr. Charles Ascher-Walsh began his official Columbia University Resident Exchange Program by bringing his Resident, Dr. Megan Huchko. Megan was a fabulous addition to our team and we look forward to her return. Dr. Ascher-Walsh will continue to accompany a Columbia Resident on each subsequent trip to Niamey. As this program progresses, Dr. Ascher-Walsh, in conjunction with Columbia, will bring Nigerien Residents in an exchange training program at Columbia/Presbyterian Hospital in New York.
Dr. Charles Canady began a special program at the Maternity Hospital in Niamey. He was a real “trooper” – and operated continuously under dire conditions. Being able to speak French was a great help, but no language could describe the frustration when Dr. Canady found Nigerien doctors using black garbage bags in place of non-existent exam gloves!!!! Fortunately, Charles had brought lots and lots of gloves with him – but the Maternity Hospital is truly desperate for basic supplies!! Dr. Canady is organizing a program for IOWD – so that other Obstetricians and Gynecologists can join us on our missions – and go directly to the Maternity Hospital to assist and teach Nigerien OB/GYN Residents. Dr. Canady and IOWD look forward to a successful collaboration with the Maternity Hospital. Won’t you join us in the effort to help begin a quality program for the benefit of women in Niger? Please contact IOWD for details.