Departure – December 1, 2005

As I start my return journey home, I reflect on my time here. I think about all the suffering, the stories, and all the very sick people. I always feel torn when it is time to leave. Of course, it is time to go home, but at the same time, there is still work and aid that needs to be continued. Over the next month and with time, more organizations will leave, but there will still be humanitarian workers there to continue to provide shelter, food and medical care.

The freshly fallen snow in the mountains exemplifies the utmost in beauty. The mountains look grand and majestic. The irony is that it also means more hardship for thousands and thousands of people. Every day of colder weather means more difficult delivery of much needed supplies. It is estimated that thousands of people will descend to lower altitudes over the next month. I wonder how many will actually make it.

We did see illness and injury related to the earthquake. Fractures, old infected wounds and vague physical symptoms related to the stress and mental health trauma. All this as a result of just 45 seconds. Yes, just 45 seconds. Women and children were mostly affected. Unfortunately, we also saw the inevi

table. All the illnesses that are related to and are caused by poverty. Malnourished children, measles, diarrhea, pneumonias causing death and many more. We couldn't prevent the earthquake but we can prevent many diseases and we can better address the issues of poverty. Why is only 10% of the global health research budget allocated to 90% of the global burden of disease? I ponder.

As I arrive at the stopover in Manchester, I enter the airport and hear Christmas songs and see vibrant Christmas decorations galore. I wonder if this is the same world as the one I just left? Improving health can never be approached in a silo. The global implications of understanding and responding appropriately to disease, illness, poverty and disasters are more compelling than ever.

As my plane lands in Canada, I think about that little girl who looked up to me with the eyes of pain, sorrow and utter trust. Her eyes said, “please don't forget about us, and all those around the world who also suffer from all preventable causes.” I shed a little tear. “OK,” I said, aloud, as I stepped off the plane, we owe it to you.