Pictures from the frontline:
An oasis of healing
Newborn babies letting out their first cry, broken bones being set, patients being wheeled to life-saving surgery. This is everyday life at Guinebor II (G2) hospital in Chad, and it’s what photographer Alex Baker experienced when he went to take photos of the hospital for BMS World Mission’s Operation: Chad appeal. These are the stories behind his shots.
“Rakié Akaye knew all the risks coming into the maternity ward. But for her, G2 was a safe pair of hands. A place she knew would be safe for her child to be born.”
“That’s what is so inspiring about this hospital – the peace of mind it provides to scared people. It’s a safe place to be, a chance of hope, an opportunity for recovery.”
“Agnès Netadé was one of many people who work at the hospital who were willing and open to sharing their stories about life at G2. They were all so caring, patient, gentle and considerate. I could see why people travelled so far to be treated here.”
“It was in the operating theatre that we understood for the first time what makes Kalbassou, Director of G2, so special. Why his skills are such a blessing. Watching him performing surgery was an intense experience – it’s a space where the preciousness of life becomes apparent. Kalbassou was as calm and commanding there as he was when he greeted us. He was exactly the person I’d want to operate on me.”
“Al-Fadil Abalallah was at G2 to have his broken arm and leg treated. It was a particularly bad fracture. He’d travelled a long way. But he was grateful to be here. He knew he was in good hands.”
“We heard many stories of how surgery had saved lives, but G2 offered its patients so much more. I will never forget the look of pure joy that filled Mohammed’s face during his musical therapy session. When BMS music therapist Bethan Shrubsole played him songs and shared her instruments with him, his face would just light up.”
You can save even more lives in Chad by supporting the BMS Operation: Chad appeal. Click here to give today.
Photographs by Alex Baker.
