Humanitarian Heroes: Yvane Fernandez and Cathy Rastoul’s Mission in Togo
Well, well, well! Look who’s back from Togo! Yes, it’s none other than Yvane Fernandez and Cathy Rastoul, Lauragais’ dynamic duo in humanitarian work. These two are not your average tourists—oh no! They’ve just wrapped up a mission with the International Humanitarian Pharmacy, and if you thought they’d come back with souvenirs, think again!
Drilling for a Cause
Remember at the start of 2024 when they were begging for a mere 12,000 € to drill a well to save a healthcare center in Togo? Well, they’ve turned begging into a fine art form and, spoiler alert, it worked! They successfully installed this essential well, which was crucial because the local health minister had politely threatened to shut down operations if water was not found. Honestly, who knew that running a hospital required the basics like, I don’t know, fluid?
Can you imagine? “Oh, sorry, can’t treat your broken leg, we have no water. Try the local river!” This was a crisis they deftly averted, ensuring that Mr. Nikabou can continue practicing medicine and a huge number of locals can receive care. Their motivation? The health of children, which is just touching. I’ll be over here weeping into my popcorn!
Medical Arsenal Unloaded
Not content with just installing a well, our heroic pharmacists loaded their bags with medical equipment, medicines, and even baby clothes. Talk about shopping on a global scale! They also lent a hand with wound care—like a roadside emergency room but without the TV drama or the overacting.
Beyond the Call of Duty
These two adventurous souls didn’t stop at just a well; they made the rounds in Togo, sprinkling medical kit donations like fairy godmothers at schools in Kara. “Here’s a medical kit, and for you, a first-aid manual. Don’t lose it!” They also tackled some ‘serious pathologies’ in desperate kids. Because when kids have serious health issues, you want to be that superhero in scrubs swooping in to save the day.
And the plot thickens! Farmers got a cash injection for boots to protect themselves from snake bites. I mean, if you’re going to farm, you might as well keep your feet attached, right?
A Generosity Spree
Their goodwill didn’t stop at boots. They hit up Ketao maternity, dropping off medicines and digital tablets—because nothing says “welcome to the world” like the latest in tech! Meanwhile, donations poured into the Don Bosco dispensary for abandoned girls, because every little bit helps.
And just when you thought they couldn’t do more, they decided to swing by the local blood transfusion service for a donation. Those sampling kits won’t deliver themselves, will they?
Crafts for a Cause
Before making their way back to France, they even snagged some crafts to sell. A little artisanal flair to fund future endeavors, because who doesn’t love a good trinket while supporting a cause?
Join the Movement!
So, if you’re inspired by these two champions of charity and want to join in on the good vibes, consider donating to the PHI Tarn at Hôpital des Monges, 81 100 Castres.
Remember, every bit helps, and who knows? You might just be funding the next act of kindness that puts a smile on a child’s face.
See my news Follow Voix du Midi Lauragais
They are back from Togo. Two dedicated residents of Lauragais, Yvane Fernandez and Cathy Rastoul, are well known for their commitment to humanitarian missions across Africa, representing the Tarn branch of the International Humanitarian Pharmacy. Their unwavering efforts highlight the importance of medical outreach in underserved regions.
Drilling to prevent the closure of a health center
At the beginning of 2024, the duo expressed in our publication their urgent need for funds aimed at financing the drilling of a well He predicted in Togo, strategically located within the confines of a healthcare center to ensure its long-term sustainability. Successfully raising the required amount of 12,000 € was a significant milestone that enabled the realization of this vital project.
The former pharmacist from Villefranche-de-Lauragais and a nurse from Sorèze eagerly traveled to the site from September 30 to October 15, 2024, to witness the commissioning of this crucial water access and participate in a symbolic inauguration ceremony. “This equipment was essential because in the absence of water, the Ministry of Health had warned that it would prohibit Mr. Nikabou from practicing medicine on site. The closure of this center would have deprived many people of care,” emphasizes Yvane Fernandez, highlighting the critical role the health center plays in the community.
It is noteworthy that the two compassionate Lauragaises also provided essential medical equipment and much-needed medicines to the establishment, along with donations of baby clothes and a computer. They actively engaged in wound care assistance, stating, “Our motivation is the health of children. Their smiles and their looks are our greatest satisfaction.”
Other actions carried out during this humanitarian trip
The two former health professionals seized their opportunity in Togo to conduct various other impactful actions. They notably visited Kara, where they generously donated medical kits to local teachers. “We also provided medical assistance for several specific cases of children suffering from serious pathologies,” they recount, underscoring their commitment to improving child health.
In addition, they worked diligently on the financing and provision of antivenoms while also purchasing protective boots for local farmers to shield themselves from snake bites, demonstrating their holistic approach to community health and safety.
Yvane Fernandez and Cathy Rastoul further expanded their mission by visiting Ketao maternity to deliver crucial medicines, medical equipment, and baby clothes, complemented by a generous donation of two digital tablets. Their next stop was the dispensary of Don Bosco, where they also delivered vital medical donations and extended financial aid to the Home for Abandoned Girls to improve their hygiene, health, and nutrition through donations of washable sanitary napkins, sheets, and more.
Finally, the two altruistic residents of Lauragais made a significant stop at the hospital blood transfusion service to contribute essential sampling kits and sticks. Their mission culminated at the SOS Children’s Villages, where they donated clothing for infants, showcasing their dedication to supporting vulnerable populations. This extensive mission spanning approximately two weeks proved to be highly successful, enabling the two volunteers to reassess their ongoing strategies with their local representatives to ensure sustained impact in the region. “Upon returning to Lome, we also bought and collected crafts that will be resold in France to partially fund our future initiatives,” they concluded, reflecting on their meaningful contributions and the continuous cycle of support.
Practical information
To make a donation to Pharmacie Humanitaire Internationale: PHI Tarn – Hôpital des Monges – 81 100 Castres.
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**Interview with Yvane Fernandez and Cathy Rastoul: Humanitarian Heroes Back from Togo**
*Editor:* Welcome back, Yvane and Cathy! It’s an honor to have you here after your remarkable mission in Togo. Let’s start with the good news about the well you drilled. How did it feel to see that project through?
*Yvane:* Thank you! It feels incredible. When we first spoke about the need for a well, it was a matter of life or death for the healthcare center. Seeing the water flowing and knowing we played a part in that is indescribable.
*Cathy:* Absolutely! The local health minister made it clear that without water, the center would close. We rallied together and raised the €12,000 needed. It was a huge relief to see it completed!
*Editor:* That’s impressive! Besides the well, you did so much more, like providing medical kits to schools in Kara. What inspired those donations?
*Cathy:* We realized that education and health are deeply intertwined. Teachers need tools to care for students, just as medical professionals do. We thought giving them medical kits was a step towards better community health.
*Yvane:* Plus, we encountered many children with serious health issues. Being able to step in and help those kids was our motivation. Their health truly matters to us.
*Editor:* You’ve also mentioned helping local farmers. Can you tell us about the protective boots you provided?
*Yvane:* Sure! Many farmers in Togo face risks from snake bites while working the fields. We wanted to ensure they could work safely, and protective boots are a simple yet effective solution.
*Cathy:* It’s all about addressing immediate needs while creating long-term solutions. We want to empower the people we help.
*Editor:* Your trip sounds like it had a substantial impact. What were some of the other highlights?
*Cathy:* We visited the Don Bosco dispensary for abandoned girls and provided them with much-needed supplies. We also made a donation to the local blood transfusion service, ensuring they had adequate sampling kits.
*Yvane:* And let’s not forget the crafts! We brought back handmade items to sell. It’s a way to fund our future missions while also sharing pieces of Togo’s culture.
*Editor:* What’s next for both of you?
*Cathy:* We’re planning more outreach projects, and we hope to raise additional funds for ongoing needs in Togo.
*Yvane:* We’d love to encourage others to join us in these efforts. Every donation counts, no matter how small.
*Editor:* Inspiring words! For those interested in getting involved, how can they help?
*Cathy:* They can donate to the PHI Tarn at Hôpital des Monges in Castres. Every bit helps in continuing our mission and making a difference.
*Yvane:* Yes, and you can stay updated on our initiatives through local news outlets and social media. Together, we can create positive change!
*Editor:* Thank you, Yvane and Cathy, for sharing your experiences. Your dedication to humanitarian work is truly inspiring, and we look forward to hearing about your future endeavors!
*Cathy and Yvane:* Thank you for having us!
