Why? Because I belong to a generation in Austria that has simply had it good. No war, no hunger, the freedom to choose how we want to live. It was time to give something back.
I was particularly inspired by Werner Waldmann – a longtime friend of my father and someone whose commitment I have always admired. I’ve read his book several times, and his work has deeply moved me. And so I set out – for a country I honestly knew very little about.
Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, is known as one of the dirtiest cities in the world. The traffic is chaotic, the buses are dented and rusty, and many people live in deep poverty. Eighty percent of the population are Muslim. And yet, this country welcomes you with open arms.
At the airport, I was greeted by Babul – a longtime member of the Austrian Doctors team who would accompany me over the following weeks. He has worked closely with Werner Waldmann and the entire team for more than 30 years.
The Austrian Doctors have consciously chosen to invest in education – in schooling for the poorest, but also in healthcare. Being part of that was a great honor for me. It was deeply moving to see children learning with shining eyes in their classrooms – and then enjoying a warm meal together afterward.
Medically, I was part of a wonderful team. Every day I learned something new – about diseases that are rarely seen in Austria anymore. I was especially struck by the severe skin conditions like tinea or scabies, which often affect entire families. And yet, despite these circumstances, people laugh, they love, they are kind and open. Their strength and dignity amid poverty left a profound impression on me.
This journey has changed my life. I am grateful for every encounter and every experience – and I already know: I will return.
