Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in Haiti

One of the largest factors for the high infant mortality rate in Haiti is the lack of access to high-quality, affordable, accessible healthcare.  While some mothers (mostly uninformed on the risks of childbirth) choose to give birth at home, as is the cultural norm, many other mothers are forced to because of socio-economic circumstances.  

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at the HCBH hospital we support continues to provide first-rate care to Haitian infants.  Many mothers from across northern Haiti choose to have their babies here because of the excellent facilities and capable doctors and nurses.  An American pediatrician and professor who recently volunteered at the unit remarked that none of the babies in the NICU would be alive, if not for the exceptional care provided by the staff physicians.

Giving birth at the hospital we support ensures attendance by an OB/GYN and a pediatrician, which is far preferable to the cultural standard of an untrained midwife.  However, midwives are increasingly referring complicated cases to our unit, as are physicians at the state hospital in Cap-Haitien.  The increasing referrals is a positive indicator of improving public health conditions, as this is one of the major shortcomings of the healthcare system of the Departement du Nord (Jasmin 2008).  However, the need for increasing support accompanies the ever-increasing amount of referrals.  

We sincerely thank those of you who have supported our NICU in the past and hope we can count on your continued support.  You are a vital component of the unit's and the hospital's success and really do make a difference to countless Haitian families!

Links:

• The Haiti Health Trust Website