World Health Day 2025: Gabriel’s fight for life and sight

Gabriel was born prematurely at just 29 weeks old in the northern highlands of Otuzco, surrounded by mountains and valleys. With Gabriel’s life hanging in the balance, Elizabeth, his mother, faced an unimaginable situation. The hospital in Otuzco did not have the necessary resources to treat him, so they transferred both Elizabeth and Gabriel to the Orbis-partnered Trujillo Regional Hospital in Trujillo, which was three hours away.

Elizabeth recalls, “We didn’t have any hope. He was so tiny and delicate, but he was fighting.”. At the hospital, Gabriel received all the treatment he needed to keep surviving.

However, at just 17 days old, Gabriel's life took another devastating turn. An eye doctor diagnosed him with Retinopathy of Prematurity, a condition that affects premature babies and can lead to blindness if not treated urgently. Gabriel needed immediate medication and surgery, and, without it, could lose his sight forever.

Elizabeth remembers the fear she felt: “To think that my baby would grow up and never see the light of day, that was terrifying.”

But there was hope. Gabriel was scheduled for surgery – an operation that would determine whether he would keep his sight. Without it, blindness was imminent.

The surgery was a success. Elizabeth's voice was filled with pride as she says, “I see Gabriel having a bright future. It has to be a bright future because he fought so hard to survive.”

The doctors at Trujillo Regional Hospital told Elizabeth, “Gabriel was the most critical patient, and we don’t know why he kept fighting. But he is holding onto life. Let’s give him a chance.”

Through regular follow-ups and treatment, Gabriel’s condition steadily improved. With each visit, the doctors reassured Elizabeth, “He’s getting better. Keep coming back for his check-ups.”

Gabriel’s story highlights a fundamental issue: without access to proper healthcare, countless children in remote areas like Otuzco, face a future without the chance to thrive. His survival and ongoing eye health was only possible because of the support of Orbis and the skilled healthcare professionals who gave him a fighting chance.

This World Health Day, as we celebrate the theme of "Health for All," we are reminded that healthcare must be accessible to every child, everywhere. For children like Gabriel, the fight for survival often begins with something as basic as medical intervention, a simple surgery, and ongoing care.

Gabriel’s journey is a testament to the impact that timely, compassionate care can have on a child’s life. But there are still so many children around the world who need help. Without your support, children like Gabriel may never get the treatment they desperately need.

This World Health Day, as we celebrate the theme "Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures," we are reminded that healthcare must be accessible to every child. For children like Gabriel, survival often starts with something as simple as medical intervention, a critical surgery, and ongoing care – proving that a healthy start can lead to a hopeful future.

Together, we can make sure every child has the chance to live a life full of possibilities.