Morris Gad: Baby Haven Provides Saving Grace

Picture a scenario where a mother leaves her child abandoned right after giving birth. It’s difficult for you to imagine this horror, isn’t it? But Diamonds International CEO Morris Gad knows that this reality is unfortunately true in Africa. What are the details of this tragedy, and what steps are required to stop it?

The Dark Horrors of HIV and AIDS in Africa

In 2003, multiple newspapers in Johannesburg, Africa were reporting a disturbing and horrific trend. The articles discussed an alarming rate of babies that were abandoned in and around local hospitals. Sometimes, the mothers would simply leave the hospital without their babies. Other times, they would abandon them in fields, dumpsters, and other places.

What was the root of this horrific trend? The answer, unfortunately, was the continued emergence of AIDS. Many experts claim that AIDS has become an epidemic in many areas of Africa. In fact, the Namibian government reports that the rates for HIV positive residents were over 20% in 2003.

Some additional facts about HIV and AIDS in Africa are as follows:

• Since 2003, the amount of HIV positive residents has decreased. It’s currently reported at 17.8% of adults in 2008. While this lowering trend is positive, the number is still a cause for concern.
• Immense poverty and population sparseness both add to the challenges of treating children and adults with HIV or AIDS. However, treatment options have increasingly improved in the past 10-15 years. In fact, mother-to-infant transmission has significantly lowered thanks to improved treatment methods.

The distressing news of an HIV positive infant is what prompted most mothers to abandon their babies. The continued reports of these abandoned babies are precisely what prompted the formation of Baby Haven. This organization gives hope to a group of children who would otherwise remain hopeless.

About Baby Haven Namibia

Baby Haven Namibia is focused on helping children diagnosed with HIV find hope, support, and treatment. The organization helps by first providing a home to HIV positive children. The organization provides basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter. But it also directly contributes to the positive, healthy development of these children.

Children should not have to endure the painful consequences of HIV and AIDS. Through the charity of Diamonds International, these children can become carefree again. The organization allows the children what they need to continue living happy and healthy lives. Despite their circumstances, they can again thrive within their communities and beyond.

Diamonds International CEO Morris Gad is proud to see the accomplishments of Baby Haven Namibia. Experts hope these positive trends will continue and one day eradicate this disease in all its forms. Morris Gad looks forward to continued charity service and medical innovations to one day realize this dream.

Morris Gad

Morris Gad is the CEO and Chairman for international diamond corporation Diamonds International. The firm began as one shop in St. Thomas in the Caribbean. Since then, the company has grown to operate over 130 shops worldwide. This unprecedented growth is directly thanks to the efforts of this committed and dedicated professional.

A History of Success

It’s not through luck that a company like Diamonds International becomes one of the most well known in the industry. It takes the right level of talent, education, and professionalism to achieve this level of success. And that level of passion is precisely what guides Morris through every day of service.

Morris comes from a family passionate about the diamond industry. His father first instilled the love of diamonds to him as a child. This continued love took him from wholesaler to a focus in retail.

After the success of the first St. Thomas location, retail outlets continued to open across the world. The growth helped take DI from a modest Caribbean outlet to a globally dominant force in diamonds.

What’s the secret to this company’s continued success? The answer isn’t what you’d typically expect in the diamond business:

1. A customer-centered focus across the board

Morris and his brother Albert always favored the customer experience in diamonds. They both loved to see the joy a diamond can bring for a person. It was this joy that compelled them to transition from wholesale into retail.

The goal of Diamonds International is to bring diamonds to everyone. This perspective took the business from one store to 130. The company works directly between site holders and the public. This means that their diamonds don’t pass through middlemen before customers buy them.

2. The right experience and the right passion

It takes the best hands to make the best cuts for diamonds. Diamonds International utilizes state-of-the-art technology to make initial diamond cuts. From there, expert diamond cutters make the final touches to bring the true beauty out of the stone. These experts boast 30-40 years of experience in creating the most unique, beautiful jewelry in the industry.

3. Corporate Responsibility and Charity

Beyond revenue streams, Morris believes that all responsible companies must give back through contributions. Diamonds International regularly contributes to countless charities. Many of these charities are located within the areas where the diamonds and gemstones are mined in Africa. This focus on responsible conduct and charity reflect the company’s commitment to people across the world.

Forging Ahead

Morris Gad has worked tirelessly to bring Diamonds International into worldwide prominence. Diamonds International will continue achieving unparalleled success in the diamond business and beyond. And the firm will only continue succeeding with a man like CEO Morris Gad leading.