In sub-Saharan Africa, infant mortality remains among the highest in the world. More than 40 babies die before their first birthday for every 1,000 live births—nearly double the global average. Even more alarming is neonatal mortality—deaths within the first 28 days of life—which reaches 27 deaths per 1,000 live births, according to the World Health Organization. Behind these figures lie harsh realities: premature births, treatable infections, and above all, the lack of basic resources such as an incubator.
In this context, Medical Open World (MOW) has taken a new step in defense of life. During 2025, we managed to deliver three Incunest incubators to Chad, and we are beginning 2026 with the challenge of sending ten more. Chad is one of the countries with the greatest healthcare gaps in the world, and one of the places where these devices can most clearly make the difference between life and death.
Each of these incubators arrived thanks to dedicated individuals, stories of commitment, and a network of collaboration that proves that when we work together, impact multiplies.
Three incubators already saving lives
The first incubator reached Chad through Daniel Vega, a Spanish nurse who has spent years traveling to the country to serve those most in need. Dani spends about six months a year working in Spain, saving up, and then dedicates the other half of the year to caring for patients in Chad. Knowing the reality on the ground firsthand, he asked us for help. Thanks to the trust of so many donors who know their contributions will reach those who need them most, we were able to provide this incubator—now already saving lives.
The second and third incubators arrived through our partnership with Fundación Ilumináfrica, an organization whose mission is to bring specialized ophthalmic care—especially cataract surgeries—to communities without access to these treatments. Two members of the same mission departing in December, unaware that the other was doing the same, each independently organized the procurement and transport of an incubator. One of them was the result of collaboration between the ONG Dono-Manga, based in Zaragoza, and Fundación Ilumináfrica, also headquartered in the same city. Both incubators arrived at their destination at the same time. Stories like these remind us that our mission would not be possible without joint efforts with other NGOs: cooperation multiplies impact and saves more lives.
F. Jesús Mendoza, a volunteer with both Ilumináfrica and the NGO Dono-Manga, shared:
«When I learned about the possibility of providing incubators to Chad, I was truly excited. I know Chad quite well—I worked there for three years and have been closely involved with the country since 1994. I am aware of the poverty and hardship its population endures, and I also know that children are the most vulnerable and unprotected against disease, lack of adequate nutrition, and the absence of education and opportunity. That is why bringing incubators to the very heart of Africa means giving real, tangible hope to children who otherwise might not survive, and to entire families trying to care for their children—their most precious gift—without the means to do so. The incubators we carried on the Ilumináfrica expedition are already saving lives at the hospitals in Dono-Manga and Bébédjia».
The challenge for 2026: ten more incubators
At the end of December, we received a call that filled us with hope. Camino, a Spanish gynecologist, learned about the incubator Dani had brought and decided to go a step further. Camino has committed a year of her life to serving in Chad, and after returning to Spain to visit her family at Christmas, she set out to go back carrying two incubators in her own luggage. She also launched a fundraising challenge on iHelp with the goal of financing ten more incubators—a goal that is now very close to being reached.
Camino has also committed to helping us identify where to deliver the next ten incubators this year, prioritizing the areas of greatest need. Having healthcare professionals on the ground is key to ensuring each incubator reaches the right location and has the greatest possible impact. Ilumináfrica, has also offered to support both transport and follow-up whenever possible.
We want to share these stories so you know who we are and how we work. We are a large family, made up of individuals, healthcare professionals, and NGOs who believe that every life matters. Together, step by step, we continue to bring hope where it is needed most.
