We live in cynical times. Our society has become blinded by a manic materialism, fear of the unfamiliar, and lack of knowledge about the larger world our actions affect. Meanwhile, the poor struggle on. In many parts of the world, the things we take for granted: clean water, enough food, reliable electricity, and easy access to medical care simply do not exist.

    Madagascar is one such place. It is a unique and beautiful island, home to lemurs, baobabs, and chamelions. It is also among the poorest of all nations. Over half the population survives on less than $1 per day, scratching out an existence from hard red laterite soils that are slowly bleeding into the sea. One in seven children will die before their seventh birthday, and life expectancy is 25 years less than our own. In the wealthiest period in all human history, the “red island” has been left behind, and forgotten.

    Since 2004 I have been traveling to Madagascar to volunteer at Andranomadio hospital in the town of Antsirabe. The dedicated physicians and staff working there struggle to provide care to many thousands of people despite minimal resources. Namana, which means “friend” in Malagasy, is a small nonprofit organization dedicated to building a bridge of friendship and support for Andranomadio. Our long-term goal is to create a center of excellence in caring for the sick, a training site for Malagasy physicians, and a place where U.S. medical students and residents can learn more about global health.

    – Dr. David Roesel