Guiding Principles in Haiti
As we survey the current situation in Haiti, it is evident that the country is literally in the midst of a civil war. Though US media coverage has been quiet, 46 different gangs control most of Port-au-Prince, and violence and killings are a daily occurrence. Most NGOs have removed their international staff from Haiti. Many have closed their operations entirely or are working at a bare minimum with Haitian staff. At the same time, the conditions make it even more likely that people will need medical care.
Our ministry partners in Haiti, Hopital Sainte Croix (HSC), the Centre de Sante Primary Care Clinic for Women and Children (CSP), and the Faculte des Sciences Infirmieres de Universite Episcopale d’Haiti Leogane (FSIL), are all located in Leogane, about 40 miles west of the capital of Port-au-Prince. During the past year, they have provided over 56,000 patient visits and delivered 1,169 babies. Over 200 Haitian students attend the college at FSIL.
All the main roads to their locations in Leogane are under the control of gangs who severely constrain the transportation of fuel, food, and medical supplies. Leogane itself has avoided any significant incidents of gang violence. However, robberies and assaults are rising, and most residents only travel outside their homes when necessary. The good news is that HSC, CSP, and FSIL continue operating with at least a minimum staff and essential services are being maintained.
MBF’s objective at this point is to try to keep our ministry partners’ doors open and keep the facilities operating at a minimum level, or greater, if funds, staff, and supplies are available.
Key Policy Points
In Philippians 4, Paul wrote, “It was good of you to share in my troubles … (your gifts) are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” Our hearts ache for the troubles the people of Haiti are experiencing. Your gifts and prayers are more critical now than ever as we stand with them in their time of need.
If the patients can’t come to them, the outreach workers at Mphunzi Health Center travel the community on bikes. The Center serves approximately 25,000 and averages about 40 deliveries per month. Small solar panels provide electricity for the Center.
Mvera Health Center, in partnership with the Nkhoma Synod cares for over 19,000 people outside the catchment area of Nkhoma Mission Hospital. They have primary care and maternity services and serve a community of almost 20,000 people.
Chiwe Health Center