My dear friends:

Thank you for all that you have done to promote our intiatives for better health are for women and children and infants in the rural areas of the Congo. Your perseverance and

willingness to make sacrifices and take extra time to engage in fundraising talks, presentations, the sale of art and craft work, and the introduction of Cooking Cushions

has caught the attention of many. There are many obstacles to confront, and to date

we continue to push ahead , despite the political turmoil and gross injustices, and pillage of the villages by soldiers. Each of you have brought incredible commitment and creativity to the planning table.

Thank you for your passionate beliefs in the right of all women and infants / children to basic healtht care, which includes but is not limited to prenatal nutrition ,availability of potable drinking water, prenatal teaching regarding tips on a safe labor, immunization of all children with the WHO recommended infant and childhood innocualtions, encouragement of breastfeeding, and treatment of HIV and tuberculosis in the mother.

We have a long road to follow, but with the guidance and persistence from each of you, we will reach the summit.

Best wishes to each of you and your families during the holiday season.

- David Strider, RN, CCRN, MSN,MSB, ACNP:

- President - PROSAMI