World Pediatric Project (“WPP”) hosted two teams back-to-back lastweek being the Speech and Language Therapy team and the diagnostic Cardiology team. Combined, both teams have provided healthcare services to over 200 Vincentian children.
Speech, Language and Behavioral concerns especially in young children have shown to be an area in St. Vincent
that needs attention considering the large number of referrals received. WPP’s Speech and Language team was led by speech pathologist, Miriam Kerr who specializes in cleft lip and palate as well as language and articulation
disorders. She was accompanied by Wendi McMillan, specializing in augmentative communication, Sarah
Cunningham, specializing in pediatric feeding and early intervention, Brendan Rooney, and Laura Carpenter, both
specializing in Autism and behavioral disorders. Along with them was Ms. Kimberley Cambridge who is now one ofSt. Vincent’s very own local speech pathologist and Dr. Mishka Duncan-Adams, Pediatrician and Neurologist. Theteam is curated in a way to target not only speech and language concerns but also autism, ADHD and
developmental delays associated with genetic disorders such as Downs Syndrome.
They assessed a total of 149 children in the span of 3 days from Sunday January 28th – Tuesday January 30th 2024 at the Helping Hands Center in New Montrose. On Tuesday evening, the team also held a group session for parentswith children who have speech delays that allowed for parents to learn more about speech delays and what theycan do to help. After departing St. Vincent, they continued their assessments in Dominica. Ms. KimberleyCambridge says that the mission was a success, and she looks forward to working with the team again. Shecontinued by saying “The aim is to continue to provide support as best as I can locally” and ended by encouragingparents to continue to monitor their children’s speech and developmental milestones.
Following closely after the Speech and Language team’s departure, the diagnostic Cardiology team arrived and
held two days of clinic at the Milton Cato Memorial Hospital on Thursday February 1st and Friday February 2nd
2024. Pediatric Cardiologist Dr. William Moskowitz led the team and was accompanied by Pediatric cardiology
fellow, Dr. Shivraj Savadkar. Local Pediatric general surgeon, Dr. Jasmine Ellis-Davy and Pediatrician Dr. Joy Walters joined the team in assessing a total of 74 patients both new and follow-up.
Both teams have expressed their contentment and gratification with regards to the turnout of families at the
missions and being able to service them for yet another year. They were both sponsored by The Mustique
Charitable Foundation who WPP, its volunteers and families extend their warmest and utmost gratitude to.
Individuals interested in supporting the work of WPP can contact the local office at 784-451-2989. WPP continues
to prioritize the medical needs of our children and enhance the lives of their families, ensuring no child is left
behind. The work of WPP and its impact can be followed at www.worldpediatricproject.org.