AFD Clinincs Treat Over 1,000 People Each Week

Every Wednesday morning in the auditorium of the Aristide Foundation for Democracy in Tabarre, Haiti, over a 1000 people receive free primary care treatment.  Almost all of the people coming to the Foundation for care are living in temporary settlements in the area.

The clinics have become a weekly gwo konbit medical – with 40 or more doctors, dozens of volunteers and health workers and pharmacists, working together to make sure that everyone who comes sees a doctor and receives the medicine they need.

Services offered include: general medical care, as well as pediatric, eye, dental,  gynecological, orthopedic and psychological  care.   The Haitian Ministry of Health (MSPP) sends health monitors to carry out vaccinations for all those who want them.  Canned milk is distributed to all pregnant women and mothers of young children.

The most commonly observed health problems are malnutrition, diarrhea in children, respiratory ailments, urinary tract infections,  intestinal parasites, and untreated high blood pressure.  The vast majority of those attending the clinics are living in temporary settlements (tent cities) across the metropolitan area.  Many of the health problems they face are a direct result of the conditions in the camps, which have little or no sanitation and limited water.   And it is now raining nearly every night.

While waiting to receive medical care, patients also hear a health education talk – for instance on malaria prevention.  On April 21, they got a concert.   Tatann of the Gwoup Lakol, a Haitian musician from Miami  stopped by to sing for everyone, doctors, patients and staff, while they worked and waited.

Volunteer psychologists are also on-hand at each clinic to work with people exhibiting symptoms of PTSD.  About 100 people each week participate in  group counseling sessions with psychologists offering guidance and support for dealing with post traumatic stress.

AFD doctors have seen and provided primary care treatment to:

• March 10, 2010 – 650 people   

• March 17 – 1169 people

• March 24 – 1284 people

• March 31 – 1192 people

• April 7 – 1178 people

• April 14-1276 people

• April 21 – 948 people

We are grateful to the Haiti Emergency Relief Fund for providing funding for these clinics, and also to several institutions who are contributing the medical supplies needed each week including Partners in Health/Zanmi Lasante and the government of Taiwan.