Spring 2008


Very Special experience with EugeneBell

Yuh Wen Ling
Former Eugene Bell Foundation Intern;
Masters of Public Affairs Candidate, Princeton University
Woodrow Wilson School of International and Public Affairs


My participation as a member of the EugeneBell’s Spring 2008 delegation was an extraordinary experience. As a first-time visitor to the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea, my thoughts during the weeks leading up to the trip were naturally filled with nervousness and curiosity. Who would I meet? Who were the people benefiting from EugeneBell’s work? Was EB’s assistance making a difference in people’s lives?

I joined a delegation of old and new visitors, who were as diverse as they were fun. Our North Korean guides and drivers were incredibly kind and dedicated to making our visits to all 17 program hospitals and tuberculosis care centers safe and effective. I was happy to know that, between meaningful conversations about family and my feeble attempts at playing table tennis with our expert hosts, we had made many new friends at the end of our 11 days in the DPRK.

While such friendships are undoubtedly an important aspect of EB’s success, the primary purpose of the delegation trips is to monitor the assistance provided to program partners by EB’s dedicated donors. Indeed, the opportunity to meet with patients supported by the Foundation and the dedicated health care workers who do so much to help them was a highlight of the trip and an honor for anyone associated with EB’s work.

We met many patients, young and old, suffering from the effects of tuberculosis. It is clear that in North Korea, TB is more than a disease that affects the body – it is an illness that affects one’s social and economic lives, as well as their hope for the future. And yet, despite the difficulties, smiles were still abundant and hope continued to persist. Nowhere was this more apparent than at Dongdaewon TB Care Center, where EB’s second delivery of MDR-TB drugs elicited enthusiastic applause for those patients who were given new hope.

Likewise, it is difficult to forget the many hospital/care center staff. Site after site, I was very much moved by these committed health care workers, who often sacrificed so much of themselves to provide the best care possible. For all that they lack, they are extremely resourceful in and devoted to their work. At sites such as Ryongsong District TB Care Center, the lack of a computer was no problem – the staff kept meticulous histories for their patients with amazingly computer-like handwritten records!

It is heartening to know, in keeping with the same dedication of its program partners, EB is also working to evolve beyond its original mission and program capacity. The EB staff deserves immense credit and recognition for continually recognizing that helping patients involves more than providing drugs.

For me, the new friendships, persevering patients, devoted local health care workers, Eugene Bell's continued presence in North Korea, and kindness of the Foundation's donors represent one clear fact: that the human spirit will always prevail. Despite obstacles, people will find a way to survive. From my eye-opening experience with the Spring 2008 delegation, I am confident that this inspiration will only continue to improve the work and mission of EugeneBell.

Yuh Wen Ling