March 26, 2025 | Caroline Jackson
On the final day of the clinic, as exhaustion settled in among the team, a mother arrived, not for her baby, but to have herself assessed. She assured everyone that her three-month-old child was healthy and stable, not needing any medical attention.
After conducting a few tests for the mother, medical volunteer Matthew Johnson decided to ask if he could check the baby—just in case. At first, she declined, saying she would return the next day. However, the clinic was closing for good that evening. With time running out, Matthew knew it was now or never.
Understanding the urgency, he approached Sandy, a fellow team member, to see if they could squeeze in one more patient. Without hesitation, Sandy made the necessary arrangements, demonstrating the team's unwavering commitment to patient care.
Matthew proceeded with a routine assessment, carefully checking the baby's vital signs, skin condition, and overall health. Everything seemed fine—until he listened to the baby's heart.
“Whoosh whoosh whoosh.”
Something wasn’t right. Though not a cardiologist, he knew that sound was abnormal. Seeking confirmation, he called over two experienced providers, Barbra and Laura, who quickly assessed the child. Even after a long, exhausting day, they acted immediately and confirmed Matthew’s suspicion: a heart defect.
Thanks to their diligence and dedication, they were able to diagnose the condition and inform the mother of the next steps for her baby’s treatment. Had they not gone the extra mile, the defect could have gone unnoticed, possibly leading to severe complications.
"I felt happy that we caught the murmur so that the mother could go and get the child the proper care it needs. It was further validation that the work we went out there to do was important and has actually positive impacts on those that we were able to see and I was proud to be a part of that team," said Matthew about his experience with this C.U.R.E. Clinic patient.
This moment was just one of many that highlighted the team's professionalism, flexibility, and devotion to their mission. In the busiest hour of the final day, they didn’t turn a blind eye. They treated each patient as if they were the first, and because of that, a child’s life was changed forever.
At Project C.U.R.E., we believe in the power of unity to bring about lasting change. When healthcare professionals come together with a shared mission, the impact is undeniable. This is where H1 Connect plays a crucial role—an ecosystem designed to introduce medical professionals to global health opportunities. Through this connection, Matthew and two other medical volunteers made a profound difference by bringing health and hope to those in Côte d’Ivoire.
Dr. Barbra Villona, Matthew Johnson, and Paul Bieber embarked on a journey to a clinic in need, answering a request for aid from Project C.U.R.E. More than just a volunteer mission, this was an opportunity to use their medical expertise to transform lives—offering care to those who had never dreamed such assistance was possible.
In Côte d’Ivoire, the consequences of a struggling healthcare system are stark, leaving many without access to essential medical services. Over four intense clinic days, Dr. Babs, Matt, and Paul worked side by side with dedicated local teams, providing direct medical care to over 500 patients. Throughout their time there, they saw 507 individuals, many of whom had never received professional medical attention before. In addition to patient consultations, they recommended 327 point-of-care tests to help diagnose and address pressing health concerns.
Among the most common issues they encountered, pain was the leading complaint, affecting 43.39% of patients. Musculoskeletal problems followed closely, with 30.57% of patients suffering from related ailments, while eye-related concerns impacted 17.14% of those they treated. Each case they addressed underscored the vital need for continued medical support and intervention in the region.
Their efforts were not only about addressing immediate medical needs but also about fostering sustainable healthcare practices. By sharing their knowledge and expertise, they empowered local professionals to continue providing care long after the volunteers departed.
Matthew has a message to other healthcare professionals, "there's many reasons why most of us decide to become medical providers but at the core of it, it is a drive to help others who may not be able to help themselves. Being on this trip and surrounded by people from many different places and backgrounds all working together for one goal strengthened my main reason for becoming a paramedic in the first place."
The impact of Dr. Babs, Matt, and Paul’s mission will resonate for years to come, serving as a testament to the power of collaboration and compassion. Their journey is just one of many that highlight how Project C.U.R.E. is changing lives across the world.
Are you ready to make a difference? Discover how you can volunteer with Project C.U.R.E. and use your skills to bring health and hope to those in need. Together, we can extend our reach to the people who need it most.
