For months, Rosa had been dealing with extreme fatigue and swollen legs. She came to us for help when she noticed an irregular heartbeat. Rosa was able to get bloodwork and a chest x-ray at our diagnostic center, and she was shocked because getting an x-ray could take months in a government facility or be too expensive at a private health center. Rosa was diagnosed with severe hypertension, putting her at risk for a stroke or heart attack. Our medical team created a treatment plan that included much needed medicine and lifestyle changes. At a recent follow-up visit, Rosa was elated to share that she was feeling better and her swelling was down. Her test results have continued to improve as well, and she shared her sincere thanks to OneWorld Health for the chance to have regular primary care visits so she no longer has to worry about a condition escalating to dangerous levels.

Javier was brought into our new Tegucigalpa clinic in Honduras after having an emergency appendectomy at a local public hospital. The teenager had been released right away, and it was clear that he had an infection from the procedure. Javier was in a lot of pain, and his parents did not want to take him back to that hospital. Once at our facility, they ran labs and treated him with the appropriate antibiotic, and they monitored him for a few days on an outpatient basis to make sure he was healed. His parents were so thankful for our clinic, and they feel that OneWorld Health’s care saved their son’s life.

On a recent outreach trip, the team met a young girl named Adiah. She had been diagnosed with hydrocephalus (fluid on her brain) and was carried in by her aunt. When she was laid down on a treatment table, she trembled with tears rolling down her cheeks, but the team made sure to comfort her and explain through the interpreters each move they made. When the team determined she was a candidate for a wheelchair, Adiah's aunt was overjoyed. “Since Adiah has been unable to walk to school or sit up at a desk, she hasn't been able to go to school,” she told us. “But now, with the wheelchair, she can return to school to learn and be with her classmates again.”

Growing up in Managua, Nicaragua, my mother had to immigrate to the United States so that we could have the basics and pay for our studies. I was left in charge of taking care of my siblings, the youngest was two years old at that time; however, I never gave up on my dreams. With a lot of effort, I graduated from medicine 11 years ago, with the intention of helping improve the lives of those who need it most. Over the years, I have expanded my knowledge with a diploma in ultrasounds, a postgraduate degree in diabetes, and I am currently pursuing a diploma in hospital quality management. I have been a doctor with OneWorld Health for about 6 years, and it’s very rewarding knowing that I am helping others to improve their quality of life. In my new role as a Quality Assurance Officer, I am looking forward to creating quality improvements for our clinics in Nicaragua. My hope for the future is that OneWorld Health continues to expand throughout the country so more people have access to health services.

I have been with OneWorld Health for more than 3 years, and I believe this is the place that God brought me. I feel really grateful to be part of OneWorld Health in our quest to improve people’s lives. As the Country Director for Honduras, I love being able to connect with others in need and find ways to help them. I also enjoy connecting with other institutions or nonprofit groups to develop good strategic relationships and alliances. At OneWorld Health, I know we are creating change for the communities we serve. The impact of being able to bring health into a family is priceless. I expect us to expand our services in areas where it is needed and necessary – and there are many, in a way that is sustainable and meaningful. By providing quality, affordable healthcare to individuals and families, we are empowering communities and transforming the Honduran society.

I have been the Volunteer Coordinator for the Ugandan office of OneWorld Health for about a year now. I am passionate about service to others, social impact, and helping people discover the best version of themselves. I love so many things about my job, such as the opportunity to positively transform not only the lives of the patients we treat during the outreaches but also their communities. We leave people in a healthier state than when they first arrived at the outreaches, which allows them to contribute to the growth and development of their families and communities. It’s also so nice to meet and connect with people who have a heart for service, working to make the world a better place. And by having the opportunity to continuously extend love, kindness, and compassion to our patients and communities through the outreaches, I see how it shows people that they are worthy, special, deserving, and seen.