RPCVs Working to Improve Maternal and Newborn Health in the DR

Two DR Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, Sarah Henry (RPCV Cambita 2002-2004) and Jacquelyn Caglia (RPCV Jaibón 2003-2005), are continuing their work in the Dominican Republic by working with Infante Sano, a non-profit organization with a mission to improve maternal and newborn health in the Dominican Republic. Maternal and newborn health in the DR is a conundrum. More than 95% of women receive prenatal care and deliver in hospitals, but health outcomes remain poor. Maternal mortality in the DR is eight times higher than in other more developed areas of the Americas and the newborn mortality rate is four times higher, thus offering an immense opportunity for improvement through targeted interventions. With health improvement projects currently in Baní, San Cristobal and La Romana, Infante Sano is drawing on local talent and experience to work towards a day when all mothers in the DR have access to a clean, safe birth and all newborns have the healthy start to live that they deserve. 

 Sarah served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in the Dominican Republic in a school for children with special needs. It was during her service that Sarah discovered her passion for working in HIV/AIDS prevention with adolescents and for public health in general. Upon completion of Peace Corps, Sarah obtained her MPH from Columbia University. As Infante Sano's first employee, Sarah joined Infante Sano in 2006 as the Country Director in the Dominican Republic to build and grow the field office, hire key staff, establish work in a pilot hospital, and open two rural maternal and newborn health clinics. Sarah returned to the US in 2008 to lead Infante Sano's Development team and now serves as Executive Director of the organization. Jacquelyn worked on her MPH prior to serving as a community health specialist with Peace Corps. After several years evaluating the effectiveness of community and hospital-based health interventions in the US, Jacque wanted to reconnect with international public health and her work in the DR. She recently joined the Infante Sano team as the Director of Development and Communication. Both are happy to actively be part of an organization working to improve the quality of health care for mothers and newborns to create sustainable changes in the DR.

If you are looking for a way to continue to give back to the DR, Infante Sano is an organization that you can take pride in supporting. Your support of this initiative is needed now more than ever. To learn more about Infante Sano and support their work, please visit: www.infantesano.org
 

 Sarah Henry with leaders at Nuestra Señora de Regla Hospital in Baní; Dr. Paredes, Head of OB/GYN; Sarah; Dr. Garcia, OB/GYN and Infante Sano Staff; Dr. Soto, Hospital Director