25.05.2009 - The journalist Hans Haldimann has covered the health project for mothers and newborns of Enfants du Monde in El Salvador, for the television program “Ensemble”. “Ensemble” will be broadcast on 31 May 2009, on TSR 1, at 18:20.

Hans Haldimann, what have you seen in El Salvador?

I saw a country whose capital looks like a city of the United States. Stores and hotels mostly offer American products; this contrasts with the very low incomes of the population. Violence is omnipresent. In this country, with fewer inhabitants than in Switzerland, more than ten people are killed everyday. Now that the elections are over, everyone is counting on the leftwing government, to fulfil their high hopes.

What impressed you the most?

I was impressed in the way Enfants du Monde and other organizations have succeeded in soothing the fears of mothers and pregnant women, and in convincing them of visiting health centres and giving birth there. Until then, women always gave birth at home, just like their mothers and grandmothers used to do before them, which lead to a high mortality among mothers and newborns. The ambiance in the health centres is pleasant and professional.

You have spoken to medical doctors, midwives and mothers. What was their message?

Everybody’s message was very clear: the fact that numerous mothers die during delivery is not about fate. We could prevent this. Mothers are very grateful for the fact that the mortality risk during delivery has gone down. 

More information about health project in El Salvador