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.
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?