ORH 2025 - Today everything is decided – the big screening begins

Today Everything is Decided – The Big Screening Begins

Today our real mission began. At around 6:30 a.m. we set off together from the hotel to the hospital.

Monday morning in Hanoi – and there is already a lot of activity. Mopeds wind their way through narrow streets honking, small food merchants open their stalls, and people eat breakfast, make repairs, and shout on the sidewalk. This city never seems to sleep – and yet there is something gentle, something awake about it. Maybe because in the midst of this chaos there is always a sense of care.

After about half an hour we reached the Vietnam-Cuba Friendship Hospital, where around 200 children and their families were already waiting for us. Many had been there since the early hours of the morning. Some families arrived overnight, some from remote regions – with nothing but a small bag of belongings, but with hearts full of hope.

After a short, warm welcome for everyone involved, the real work began: our doctors started the medical screening. The children were examined comprehensively – physically, but also with regard to concomitant illnesses such as tuberculosis or heart problems that might preclude an operation. These were intense, concentrated moments – but also very personal.

The Screening Process

The preliminary examinations today were thorough. Each child was examined individually by our doctors to determine whether surgery was both feasible and medically safe.

Not only are externally visible deformities such as cleft lip and palate assessed, but the child’s general health is also checked:

• Heart and lungs are listened to

• Blood pressure is measured

• Temperature is checked

• Signs of infections, malnutrition, or previous illnesses such as TB or heart defects are monitored

Some children are scheduled for surgery straight away. Unfortunately, others still have to wait because an operation would be too risky at the moment.

These decisions are never easy – not for the doctors, and certainly not for the parents. This makes the care with which everything happens here all the more important: explaining, respectful, caring.

Why Screening is Essential

Screening is the most important step before any surgery.

Only if a child is medically stable enough – free of acute infections, heart defects or other risks – can the operation be carried out safely. The extent of the malformation is also assessed in order to choose the best surgical method and the right time.

In this way, we ensure that every procedure is carried out responsibly, safely and with the greatest benefit for the child.

Humanity Beyond Medicine

What was noticeable today is not just the medical precision – but above all the humanity that was in every look, every touch, every conversation between doctors and families.

What particularly touched us today: the great care with which every family is received here. All patients receive a small supply bag – filled with drinks, food, toys, crayons, and lovely little things.

It’s not just about medical help. It’s about dignity, about humanity, about the feeling:
You are not alone.

Looking Ahead

The first operations begin tomorrow. But today was a day of listening, examining, deciding – and the silent promise to give everything.

Gratitude & How You Can Help

We would like to thank all of our sponsors, partners and companions from the bottom of our hearts. With this seven-day newsletter series, we not only want to give you insights into our work on site, but also express our gratitude.

Your support makes this mission possible. Through your commitment, you give hope – and change lives. Thank you for taking this journey with us.

This is how you can help – directly and effectively:
If you would like to support our work, we would be happy to receive your donation – every contribution helps to make children’s smiles possible.

Thank you very much for your generosity and trust!