On December 19th, I had my final appointment with my longtime urologist, Dr. Jacques Corcos, who is now retiring after a distinguished career. I had been under his care for several decades, and over that time I came to know not only his medical expertise but also his deep humanitarian commitment.
He serves as the president of Mère–Enfants du Monde, a non‑governmental organization dedicated primarily to improving women’s health in several African regions. He has asked his patients to support this work through donations, knowing how directly the organization’s efforts translate into care for vulnerable communities.
His professional path has been remarkable. He graduated from Montpellier University in France in 1977, later completing advanced training in surgery, urology, and tropical medicine at the same institution in 1985. Between 1978 and 1980, he served in the French army as a surgeon at Bambari Hospital in the Central African Republic, where he also oversaw the care of patients with leprosy at Aghoudou Manda. These early experiences shaped his lifelong dedication to global health and medical service in underserved regions.
In recent years, many humanitarian organizations—including those focused on maternal and women’s health—have reported that reductions in foreign aid from the United States have had significant and far‑reaching consequences. According to various analyses and statements from global health groups, these funding cuts have strained programs that provide essential medical services, support local clinics, and sustain long‑term development initiatives. My urologist’s organization is among those feeling the impact, making private donations and international partnerships more important than ever.
