Provide access to healthcare in rural Haiti

Friends of the APF Haiti Clinic:

The news from Haiti (and of Haitian refugees on our own border) is heartbreaking -- continued COVID variants, a strong earthquake in the south of Haiti, gang violence, and the assassination of Haiti's President to name a few of the more recent challenges. What does not get reported is that despite all the obstacles, it is the community organizations in rural sectors that continue to provide the vast majority of rural residents with the programs and services the government has not adequately provided. As you know, the Asosyasyon Peyizan Fondwa (APF) is one of these impactful organizations.

Unlike the 2010 earthquake, in Fondwa the most recent earthquake did not cause too many problems. But, it did cause extensive damage in other areas in the south of Haiti while many still await assistance. 

The program you have been generously funding, the APF Haiti Clinic, continues to provide critical services to residents in the mountains of Fondwa. In the four-month period from May to August 2021,

*  347 patients were seen, of which 197 were children under 5 years of age.

*  443 vaccines were administered, as vaccinations remain one of the primary activities of the clinic. The solar-powered refrigerator installed by the Ministry of Health last year has greatly improved the vaccination program. This Belgium technology has made it possible to keep the vaccines at the clinic where community nurses collect the vaccines and go home-to-home to ensure children are vaccinated. 

*  Sadly, there is still little receptivity for the COVID vaccine, but we continue to spread the word and education.

*  And lastly, in addition, the APF Haiti Clinic continues to see patients with all kinds of illnesses like high blood pressure, intestinal problems, asthma, and other emergencies (even outside of clinic hours). Road and domestic accidents continue to be prevelent. Being able to manage these cases at the clinic mean the patient does not need to make the long and expensive trip to Jacmel or Léogâne. If they do require that extra care, they are, of course, referred to those facilities. 

Dr. Farda Pierre Cherefant, APF Haiti Clinic Director, continues to do a stellar job. Thank you Dr. Farda, as well as, Dr. Elizabeth (former Director) who continues to volunteer as a consultant from Canada. 

And, to you, our supporter and partner, THANK YOU for walking this path with us. Every little donation helps, and monthly donations are especially welcome in assisting us to meet our monthly budget and continue the important work. 

Gratefully, 

Leigh Carter, Friend of APF