Why we focus on infrastructure

Infrastructure in the Grande-Anse is limited at best.  On previous medical missions we have referred people to Port-au-Prince to get medical care that cannot be provided in the region.

Since the earthquake, Port-au-Prince no longer has the capacity to take most of our patients. There has also been a huge migration of people who have fled Port-au-Prince to return to their home villages.  This is adding significant additional pressure to the already stretched infrastructure in Jeremie, the Department capital.

We believe that if we build the capacity to provide care locally, we can improve our treatment programs and make it easier for our patients to get care.  This has the added benefit of reducing the cost of care as well. Improving the infrastructure will also help create jobs, enabling Haitians to find work that allows them to support their families and break the cycle of poverty.

Clubfoot is a congenital deformity that affects approximately one per 1,000 births. This deformity, if left untreated, it can result in a significant disability which impacts upon the individual’s ability to walk. Neglected clubfeet impose crushing physical, social, psychological and financial burdens on the individual, who is then condemned to the downward spiral of deformity, disability, dependency, demoralization, depression, and despair. Worldwide, neglected clubfeet are the most serious cause of physical disability from musculo-skeletal birth defects.

Children with physical disabilities are quite often socially and economically disadvantaged.  Educational opportunities are reduced through selection bias and because of transportation difficulties.  Employment opportunities are reduced for similar reasons.  In addition, mothers of children with physical disabilities have to spend more time looking after them and therefore have less time for their other children or for domestic, agricultural or economic activities.  This can result in a reduced standard of living for the entire family.

There are three major reasons why clubfoot often goes untreated in Haiti. 1. The clubfoot deformity is not recognized at birth: Many birth attendants, particularly in rural areas, are unaware of the clubfoot deformity and the need for early treatment. 2. When recognized, there is no treatment available: Even when identified, the absence of trained orthopaedic or general surgeons in many of the parts of Haiti can result in treatment being unavailable.  3. Inadequate treatment: Many orthopaedic officers and other primary care physicians have not had an opportunity to upgrade their skills over the years in the management of the clubfoot deformity.

Lack of clean water and sanitation services is one of the major root causes of disease and death in underdeveloped nations. Many villages use untreated water, and lack disease-preventing sanitation practices.

Health and Education for Haiti is committed to motivating communities around water and sanitation issues.  We are educating community members, seeking to nurture and utilize a grassroots community movement around water initiatives–all the while increasing access to stored water and treatment.