Soukeina, you will be missed

Last week we were saddened and shocked to learn of the sudden death of one of our community health workers, Soukeina Ouattara. When she was 9, she underwent a complicated heart surgery in France through Medecins Sans Frontiers; all we can guess is that malaria-related anemia caused a fatal complication with her heart condition.

Soukeina was an inspiring leader -- developing the expanded CHW program with our American intern Colette, hosting our radio show, Sigida Joli, and offering her spirited and contentious advice at community meetings.

To know Soukeina was to love and admire her. She was a nurse, a mother, and a beloved sister and daughter; she was spunky and razor-sharp, kind and generous, with a sassy sense of humor and a huge heart. We hope to honor her memory and her passion for the well-being of Sikoro and our project by offering financial support to her 5-year old daughter. Ala ka hina a la, you will be missed."