Dear friends, dear MMS members, dear donors,

It is with a flood of emotions that our Board of directors took two important decisions today. 

First, to cancel of our two spring missions in Rwanda: the one organized by MMS France due to take place this week, and the one planned for May by our Canadian team. We don’t think that the minimal safety conditions required for a mission are in place, nor will they be in the near future. We are very sad thinking of all these women, victims of childbirth complications, who were waiting for us with so much hope. We examined many of them in November and their surgeries were postponed to this spring, due to lack of time or equipment. 

The second decision taken by the Board is to temporarily stop the activities of the Foundation. Our Development Director, Julie Gagné, will have to apply for employment insurance benefits. We have seriously weighed the pros and cons of such a decision, but the majority of the Board consider that in this time of crisis, it is the best solution for the Foundation. Julie, however, has decided to stay as a part-time volunteer. This is admirable of her, and we thank her very much.

We are ceasing our operations for the time being, hopefully for a short period. The Board members are currently looking at possible solutions to see how we can help our patients who are waiting for surgery.

Hoping to connect with you very soon in a much more positive atmosphere, I wish you health. 

Dr. Jacques Corcos
President, Fondation mères du monde en santé