Equipping our Haitian Partners for Crisis Response

As the wealthiest nations of the world recover from the health and economic impacts of Covid-19, the story in much of the developing world is drastically different - especially so in Haiti. The country is currently facing numerous crises, including an ongoing food shortage, increased gang violence tied to political unrest, and a new wave of Covid-19 cases that quickly overwhelmed the already flawed healthcare system. With the shocking assassination of President Jovenel Moïse on July 7, 2021, the potential for further violence and political unrest is very real (Haitian Times).

We’re glad to report that our staff, friends, and families in Haiti are currently safe and continuing their work to address the needs of their communities. We are working on filling two shipping containers with food and medical supplies to provide immediate assistance to our partners in Haiti.

PKF began working in Haiti in the early 90s, and from the very start, we’ve focused on developing local strategic partnerships in Haiti. IDADEE, a Haitian-run community development organization, started as a dream of Remy Fils-aime in 1988. From the beginning, we’ve provided funding for a children’s home, schools, and CHIDA, a health clinic-turned hospital. Led by Dr. Wislyn Avenard, CHIDA has been instrumental in bringing affordable and often free healthcare to the surrounding community. Through its emergency room, pharmacy, and community health programs, CHIDA serves an average of 274 people per day. 

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The Food Crisis

According to a United Nations survey, acute malnutrition affects 217,000 children ages 6 to 59 months in Haiti. A recent U.N. food analysis estimated that more than 4.4 million Haitians, or 40% of the population, will need food assistance this year (Miami Herald). Remy Fils-aime, the president of IDADEE, is working around the clock to ensure there is enough food for the kids, staff, and members of the community. IDADEE and the CHIDA hospital work together to offer free food assistance to members of the local community. The shipping containers we are filling have combined space for 500,000 meals. 

The IDADEE Campus

Remy Fils-aime, IDADEE President

The Health Crisis

Dr. Wislyn and the staff at CHIDA are working diligently to treat patients and stop the spread of Covid-19. Still, the simple truth is that no matter how dedicated the doctors and nurses are, the tools to treat patients effectively are not always available. As another wave of Covid-19 sweeps through the country, we’ve sent rapid tests and money for PPE and concentrated oxygen. We were recently able to provide vaccines for the CHIDA staff. This success sets CHIDA up as a possible vaccination site for the community it serves. 

CHIDA Hospital

Oxygen tanks en route to CHIDA

Dr. Wislyn leads a community health worker meeting at CHIDA

Safety for the Community

Ongoing political unrest has led to an increase in gang violence throughout Haiti. While the city of Cap Haitien generally tends to be quieter than other areas, violence and unrest remain genuine concerns for our Haitian partners. Our long-time friend and partner, Daniel Beaugilus, was recently promoted to the top ranking officer in the central station in Cap Haitien, Haiti's second largest city. While this promotion is well deserved, it also brings an increased level of risk, especially as Haiti experiences such a tumultuous period.

Daniel and his family

The dedication of people like Remy, Dr. Wislyn, Daniel, and the many women and men who day after day continue to do the difficult work of responding to crisis after crisis is inspiring. Still, they’ll need additional support as the country works through this challenging time. As we continue to provide that support for our partners in Haiti, would you commit to praying for them, and if you’re able to, supporting them financially?

How COVID-19 is Affecting Our Work in Haiti

Despite the rise of COVID-19 cases in Haiti, social distancing is near impossible. At this time, John Hopkins University reports 7,146 cases in Haiti, though that number is likely low due to a lack of testing. 

The kids and staff at EBAC, IDADEE, and New Vision Children's Home have quarantined as best as possible, sending a few people to gather food and supplies as seldom as possible. Due to these efforts and by God's grace, none of the children at EBAC, IDADEE, or New Vision Children's Homes have contracted COVID-19. 

All through this pandemic, health officials have reminded the world about the importance of proper handwashing and sanitation. We're incredibly thankful for our strategic partnership with WaterMission, who has provided safe water for all three children's homes, CHIDA, and the IDADEE community. 

Dr. Wislyn in front of the CHIDA Hospital

Dr. Wislyn, our Medical Director and the Director of the CHIDA Hospital, reports that CHIDA has seen seven cases of COVID-19 confirmed by Haiti's National Lab, along with numerous probable cases that went untested due to a lack of tests. Due to the nationwide shortage of tests, and ventilators, CHIDA is unable to care for COVID-19 patients. When someone showing symptoms of COVID-19 arrives at the hospital, a doctor evaluates them, and if necessary, CHIDA staff transfers them to the nearby hospital in Milot, where they receive care.

Through our strategic partnerships, we've been able to send a container of much needed medical supplies to CHIDA as well as a container of food to IDADEE to be distributed.