Location: Grande-Anse department

Situation:

Faced with chronic political instability, for many years Haiti has experienced growing security problems. The 2006 election of René Préval as president has led to some reforms in terms of justice and human rights. The frequent natural disasters and the economic situation, however, have prevented the implementation of these reforms. In this context, Doctors of the World UK (DoW UK) has set up mobile clinics to care for people affected by the cyclones and has developed a system of free healthcare to improve access to healthcare.

Activities:

The introduction of a system of free healthcare in two health facilities in Carrefour-Charles and Lopineau enabled DoW UK to improve patient care, particularly for pregnant women and children under five. DoW UK also supported the establishment of management committees within the communities. The main role of these committees is to promote health services and to monitor the health of their communities. A domestic latrine construction programme is helping to reduce the prevalence of water-borne or faecally-transmitted diseases.

Outlook:

In the first quarter of 2009, the project will be extended to two additional health facilities, thanks to the financial support received from the German Sternstunden foundation. As part of this new project, the priority will be to improve monitoring and care for pregnant women, at both the institutional and community levels. The advocacy component of the project—targeting national decision-makers and international donors—will be strengthened.