Haiti: Reduce Cholera and diarrhea in children

January 12, 2013 marked the 3-year anniversary of the 7.0-magnitude earthquake that struck Southern Haiti and shook the world. Since then, Medical Teams International (MTI) volunteers have tirelessly served to help rebuild and renew the country that left millions of Haitians homeless, injured and struggling to survive.

With the new year brings new hope for the people of Haiti. Here are a few updates of how Medical Teams International continues to provide hope and help:

• During the first months of 2013, MTI administered more treatment sessions to more patients than ever before. In January, we started a weekly therapy/support group for persons with strokes, and in February, we commenced our first organized support group meeting for people with amputations. These meetings provide participants with the support they need to overcome physical and emotional challenges. Through our collaborative relationship with Cure Clubfoot Worldwide, we are able to bestow direct care at no cost to the patients. In February, we held a seminar on clubfoot, where an orthopedic surgeon provided training to
  staff and patients.
• We are conducting amputee soccer team practices for a team in Camp Perrin. We are also in the process of developing  another team in Les Cayes. The MTI Advantage Program continues to partner with the Secretary of State for the Inclusion of Persons with Handicaps (SEIPH) to make recreational activities for persons with disabilities a promise, not just a possibility.
• We continue to provide support to Haitians in the greater Port-a-Piment area by conducting a mobile clinic 1-2 times per month.
• We are making progress in the development of Centre Medical Beraca’s emergency department.

Medical Teams International plans to continue monthly support group meetings, establish treatment options for patients and provide as much needed care as we can. Thank you for your support in making this possible!  

Links:

• Medical Teams International
• The Haiti Advantage Program

In Haiti, more than 2 1/2 years after the earthquake, we have transitioned relief to development. We are excited to partner with you and rebuild a new chapter in the nation’s history. Here are a few updates in Haiti since August:

1. The Advantage program, which seeks to increase the quality of life for persons with disability,  has provided:
   • 1,989 rehabilitation treatment sessions;
   • Maximum functional independence to approximately 70% of those who enter the program are exiting having reached their maximum functional independence;
   • 138 prosthetics and orthotics have been made;
   • 10 scholarships were provided to physically challenged persons.
   And now, we have a soccer team! Persons with disability, like Frenel, experience joy as they run and play. Soccer gives them a renewed sense of normalcy and extinguishes negative stereotypes against persons with disability within the community.
   
   
2. Our partner Jesus Le Vraj Chemin (JLVC) continues to grow in Canaan, a resettlement camp on the outskirts of Port-Au-Prince, and is beginning to receive assistance from the Ministry of Health. Through our support of JLVC and their mission to the community, we are exploring the possibility of community health in Canaan.


3. Haiti Foundation of Hope sees more and more success with the maternal health aspect of the Community Health program. At the same time, the nutrition program battles a surge in cholera and drought, as severe malnutrition is up to 7% from 1%, and overall malnutrition is up to 40% from 30%. The program leadership is responding with direct aid, ongoing therapeutic food for Severely Acute Malnutrition, and intense follow up from Growth Monitoring.


4. An $80,000 grant from MTI has allowed the Beraca Hospital to begin construction of an emergency unit. We’re signing the papers and getting things moving! The inauguration of the new facility is anticipated around the new-year. 

There is still work to be done and we are committed to pressing on. Please keep checking in and thank you again for all of your amazing support!

Links:

• http://www.medicalteams.org