Though 2021 posed unprecedented challenges, our teams on the frontlines were still able to capture special moments — moments made possible because of our incredible supporters. With this in mind, we asked our supporters which photos were their favorites. We’ll start the countdown at number 10 before revealing our top photo of 2021, as chosen by supporters like you.
10: Vaccinating Against COVID-19 in Los Angeles
In southern California, our volunteers and staff worked with Kedren Community Health Center — which serves at-risk communities in South LA — to vaccinate nearly 167,000 people. In addition to vaccinators, we supplied Kedren with materials and shelters that more than doubled the square footage of its vaccine program, making it one of the largest walk-in ambulatory vaccination sites in the United States.
9: New Life in Jordan
Since September 2018, we’ve been running a maternity ward in Irbid, Jordan. In this city close to the Syrian border, we serve one of the biggest urban refugee populations in the country. More than 8,000 successful deliveries have taken place at the hospital to date. Here, Dua’a, a newborn intensive-care unit supervisor, cares for a patient at our NICU unit at Irbid Specialty Hospital.
8: Fighting Outbreaks of Disease in the DRC
Ebola is a dangerous and deadly disease, but in the 45 years since the first cases appeared in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), much progress has been made — on multiple fronts — in the battle to prevent and treat it. Here, Samuel— a water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) staff member—helps a rapid-response participant put on his personal protective equipment suit at the Katwa Ebola Treatment Center.
7: Safe Water in Zimbabwe
Water is a crucial resource — and not just for drinking. It is also essential for the people of Dongamuse, Zimbabwe, to tend their livestock and water their crops. Our teams in Dongamuse have installed a brand-new solar-powered water system that provides people there with clean water.
6: Training in South Sudan
Violence against women and girls, already endemic in South Sudan, has been exacerbated by ongoing conflict and chronic displacement. This is why gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response remains a key component of our work in the country. Here, one of our team members trains women in different livelihoods activities, such as sewing or beading. Staff members also review basic literacy and GBV awareness with community members.
5: Masked Up and Smiling in the Philippines
This adorable photo is from the Philippines, where our teams handed out hygiene kits to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Angono, Rizal—a province that was hard-hit by Typhoon Vamco in 2020.
4: Responding to the Haiti Earthquake
On August 14, a 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck Haiti, killing thousands in one of the deadliest natural disasters of 2021. We deployed our Fixed Type 1 Emergency Medical Team (EMT) facility in response, enabling us to provide a wide range of outpatient services to a minimum of 100 people per day for three months.
3. Camera-Ready in Pakistan
This sweet little boy was camera-ready during an International Women’s Day event in Pakistan, where our team is working to prevent and treat gender-based violence in all of its forms. Even during movement restrictions caused by the pandemic, we’ve continued working with women in Pakistan and countries around the world to find ways to offer essential services to women in need.
2. Meet Anissa in Somalia
Anissa was suffering from malnutrition when she came to Galkayo South Hospital, Somalia. But thanks to the work of our fantastic team and treatment at our stabilization center, she made a full recovery, and is happy and healthy again!
1. Joy in Yemen
Our supporters’ favorite photo of 2021 is of beautiful smiles, this time from a group of children at the Heratha camp for internally displaced people in Yemen, where we’re working to support people caught up in one of the world’s worst humanitarian disasters. Our dedicated teams continue to provide lifesaving services, including access to clean water, nutrition, healthcare services and much more.
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