Haiti’s healthcare system is overtaxed, with just six health professionals per 10,000 people and only 24% of hospitals still receiving patients (as of September 2024). Many Haitians lack any access to essential health and nutrition services. Those who do go to a hospital may be unable to afford the care, medicine or even food to eat while there.
In response, Light From Light helped our sister organization, Lespwa Timoun, to open a health clinic in Croix-des-Bouquets, a suburb of Port au Prince, in 2003. In July of 2022, Lespwa Timoun adapted to increased violence by temporarily moving the entire clinic to a safer area. The clinic, staffed by 50+ Haitian professionals, continues to provide healthcare and nutrition to 1,000 adults and children every month on average, with laboratory, ultrasound, EKG, vaccination and pharmacy services on site.
Following the escalation of violence and instability in recent years, freedom of movement for both healthcare providers and patients has sometimes been a challenge.
Because of this, Light from Light partnered with the Lespwa Timoun clinic to set up a telemedicine link and regular patient visits with doctors based in the U.S.
In addition, Light from Light also provides telemedicine services to patients in hard-to-reach areas in partnership with community health workers.
In order for Lespwa Timoun’s physicians to have a farther, more consistent reach, we partner with Community Health Workers – individuals who live in the rural, mountain communities, who are able to deliver health interventions at the moment when they are most needed.
Nearly 100% of the time, a mom will be able to diagnose when her child has diarrhea. However, the diagnosis is not helpful unless an intervention is available for that child. By equipping community health workers with medications and interventions that will be effective in treating the most common diseases in these regions, Lespwa Timoun can save lives in partnership with local leaders.
If you live in a remote village in Haiti, the only way to see a doctor is to travel, most likely by foot, for hours or even days to a nearby city. Travelling this way is impossible for those who are gravely ill, and impractical for basic preventative care. When travel to Haiti is possible, our medical mission teams from the United States partner with Lespwa Timoun to bring mobile clinics and medication to underserved communities. Communities partner in this effort by clearing roads for Lespwa Timoun’s vehicles, underscoring their need, commitment and gratitude for the care of Lespwa Timoun’s physicians and nurses.
