Medical Supplies for Hospitals in Haiti

In the immediate aftermath of the devastating earthquake in Haiti, VIDA quickly responded by airlifting two containers carrying $2.0 million in medical emergency relief into Haiti's triage supply chain. This was made possible by the generous support of Global Giving members. VIDA is now focusing on rebuilding the long-term healthcare delivery systems in Haiti's remote communities.

 VIDA is in the planning phase with our Haiti and USA partners for a three year program to annually ship twelve containers of medical supplies and equipment to hospitals in Petit-Goave, Paillant and Miragoane. These hospitals were decimated in the quake and serve hundreds of thousands of Haiti's poorest citizens. VIDA has chosen these three hospitals because they are operating in regions underserved by relief efforts. The need for healthcare is becoming even more acute as temporary clinics are being dismantled as emergency aid organizations are winding down operations. The situation in Haiti is growing increasingly dire as we move into the rebuilding phase.

This effort has requires extensive planning due to the infrastructure challenges facing Haiti as well as the increasing customs regulations with importing medical aid into the country as the nation now is in the rebuilding phase. Roads, buildings, medical supplies, medical equipment and trained medical personnel are inadequate but are critical in carrying out a sustainable program. This reality requires that VIDA and its partners undertake extensive planning and due diligence to ensure the program's success. Upon completing the panning phase, VIDA will be sending only the highest quality medical equipment and supplies, from bandages to surgical suites, to get the hospitals up and running and will then resupply the hospital over a three year period to ensure that the clinics have the resources to serve people in need.

A small sample of medical equipment includes: Hospital beds & gurneys; Stretchers; Cots, Dental or ophthalmology chairs; Disabled and elderly equipment: wheelchairs, walkers (foldable), crutches and canes; Exam & physical therapy tables; Operating tables; Small/portable: pulse oxymeters, defibrillators, incubators, endoscopy, ultrasound, anesthesia, ECG & dialysis machines, etc.