In the neighborhood of Boquerón, in Puerto Padre, the early morning of August 17 stopped in hugs and expressions of gratitude to the divine and the earthly. Thus, in the midst of the city's quietness, the return home of the specialist in Internal Medicine, Dr. Dixan Negreira Ochoa, one of the brave men of the Henry Reeve Contingent who fought the COVID-19 in Togo, transcended.
Puerto Padre, Las Tunas.- He had left last April 6th and since then, the family remained in suspense because the doctor who, at only 27 years old, had made the best decision. He says that everything was very fast, the choice, the organization of the trip, the preparation in Havana and the flight to the sub-Saharan African nation... He didn't hesitate to enlist, because that's what he had chosen medicine for.
"It's a privilege to have been selected, being a newly graduated specialist. I am proud to have the opportunity to be an internationalist and to belong to the 'Henry Reeve'," he reveals, visibly moved by those who were waiting for him.
The youngest of the Cuban medical brigade in Togo, appreciates life as the best gift, that's why he had to grow from the first day and make use of the knowledge acquired among the colleagues and teachers of the Guillermo Domínguez López General Teaching Hospital.
"Being in front of a new disease, and in another latitude imposed the challenge of investigating constantly, at the same time of the visits to the patients."
Hand in hand with his wife, Dr. Ledianet Álvarez Infante, Dixan confesses of the days and nights in the midst of the epidemic, of the gratitude of many for saving them and the medical attention offered. At the time of his beloved's graduation, he was in consultation and by means of calls he kept up to date with the progress of the final exercises. "Duty came before because it should be so", Dixan says.
He speaks of fear as a condition of self-defense, of precautions not to get infected and of the professionalism of all the members of the brigade. He rejoices in the recognition of the people and authorities of Togo, the welcome in the country and the dialogue with Miguel Díaz-Canel Bermúdez. I told my experiences at the meeting with our President, I was nervous," he said, "I could hardly get the words out, but I said how much we contributed to this fight against COVID-19.
When I asked him about the white coat with the country brand, a gift from the Cuban government, his gaze brightened and he said: "I will know how to wear it with honor and I will act always thinking about what country means".
With humility, the one that comes from his roots, Dixan Negreira Ochoa thanks everyone for trusting him and points out that he always corresponds to the beautiful priesthood of the Medicine of this unredeemed Island.
