Vasilis Takos, is a greek nurse … but he is not like any other. Determined to make a change in this world he decided not to go from the usual and “safe” path. He joined the “Doctors without Borders” (Médecins Sans Frontières), the famous international medical humanitarian organization which was created by doctors and journalists in France in 1971. During his service he found himself in places like Zambia, Uganda and Ethiopia, lands which are experiencing one of the worst droughts in decades. There, as volunteer he faced the huge crisis of malnutrition, which has affected more than 38,000 children, pregnant women and mothers. He pointed that  the providing of help to these people from the developed world is something realistic, even with the form of donations. He also went to Yemen where a big uprising against the government is on and the clashes with police and pro-government supporters are always intense with thousands of victims as the protests is an everyday routine.

MasterPeace blogger Sotiris Bacalis interviewed Vasilis to talk about this experience:

What made you go and work as a field coordinator in Yemen?
Well, the decision to work as a field coordinator in Yemen is the natural consequence of my work to date with MSF. This is my fourth mission (prior to Zambia, Uganda, Ethiopia) as a nurse.

How' was the situation for you there?
The truth is that this period is extremely difficult there. However, the Doctors and the Nurses do everything to protect the people who work there by minimizing, whereas possible of course, the risks.  Besides, as a coordinator,  the security of my team is one of the main concerns I have.

What were the difficulties you encountered in Yemen who goes through a period full of uprisings and revolutions?
Loads of Difficulties. Practical difficulties, since we worked in a hospital that didn’t work properly  and all the weight fell to us. Working in a war zone is tedious and makes your soul suffer. And of course the difference in culture, since Yemen is a Muslim country with many differences from Greece. Needs patience.. You need to embrace the culture. Eventually you discover the real values of life are universal and can be found in all the countries.

What are your impressions for the situation in Yemen?
The situation in Yemen is difficult and it’s getting worse day by day. I don’t want to get all political but certainly the presence of MSF in Yemen is really important.

What  did you learn from this experience? Would you ever do this trip again?
The most important is to give assistance to people in need and the moral satisfaction we receive is tremendous.
On a more personal level, I think that in environments like these, it is really a challenge to improve your organization and learn to increase your knowledge not only on the job but on a personal level by  getting to know  other people and cultures. This way we get to think, compare and finally understand that it is in our own hands how to become better as people.
After that I am sure you understand that I would do it all over again…

How did the local population treat you?
The local population, as in all our missions treated us very positively. Despite all the differences we have and I mentioned some above, knowing  the reason of our presence there, they embraced us, helped us and protect us form the first minute ...

How  do you think the rest of the world can help?
Information, awareness and valuable financial support,  especially in periods of major economical crisis  like this one, as far as it’s possible for each one of us . Especially, in such difficult times for the Greeks or other high developed nations that deal with bad economy right now, the solidarity with those who are between life and death becomes even more important.