Thousands of infants in Ebonyi State, where Chinyere lives, come from families devastated by HIV/AIDS. More than 10 percent of children in the region are considered acutely malnourished, which makes children vulnerable to mental disabilities, infectious diseases and even premature death.

When disaster strikes, mental health support is just as important as physical aid. Karen Beetle has been volunteering for years; after hearing about the devastation Hurricane Maria brought to the Caribbean, she knew her skills were needed.

Every health issue—whether impacting a small family or an entire country—depends entirely on whether the health worker on the ground has what they need to do their job. Project HOPE is committed to enabling health care workers to provide expert care.

Sierra Leone has one of the highest infant and maternal mortality rates in the world and I have been told that since the Ebola epidemic, the country of six million people currently has less than 100 doctors and no neonatal specialists.

Project HOPE works around the world to support and implement health care programs that literally change the perspective and direction of lives – for children, teenagers, mothers, families and communities.

Project HOPE ‘s Teresa Narvaez visited Colombia and Ecuador in September to prepare for HOPE’s response to the Venezuelan crisis. Read her first-person account.