Faces of Recovery: On the front line of the earthquake response

A nurse at the L’Asile Community Hospital in Nippes Department, Eluderne Dénius, rushed to help the victims of the August 14 earthquake despite her personal loss and now she looks forward to a better future for her patients and the hospital.

“The hospital was badly damaged by the earthquake and I was suffering knowing that my cousin's wife and child had died, but I knew I had to go urgently to the hospital to rescue the victims. It was an emergency and there was widespread panic. People were pouring in from everywhere in search of treatment at a time when our resources were very limited.

We rescued 200 patients, including two pregnant women who were in the maternity ward, one of whom had given birth 15 minutes after the earthquake.

There were no ambulances, so cars transported the wounded to hospital.

A lack of equipment meant we used an unconventional approach. The deliveries took place inside the hospital grounds in a temporary structure.

However, three months after the earthquake, especially with the of UNFPA and others, progress has been made, although the situation is still difficult. My greatest satisfaction is to have been present to help all these people. I am optimistic for the future.”