Medical Aid in a Time of Need
Bassin Caiman Medical Clinic
April 13-16, 2021
Two years ago, Pastor Celande asked for help in hosting a medical clinic for the people of Bassin Caiman. Last month this became a reality for Haiti H2O’s remote village partner where there are no doctors.
A team of two Haitian doctors and three Haitian nurses joined Haiti H2O’s support team and the leaders in Bassin Caiman to host a medical clinic for 3 ½ days. Pastor Celande shared with us that he was awakened at 4:00am on the first day of the clinic by people gathering and wanting to purchase an entry card to the clinic. (Entry cards are sold for a nominal fee to give ownership to and affirm the dignity of the local people coming for care.)
They planned to provide 100 entry cards each day, but on the first day the demand was so high that they saw about 140 patients, and more than 100 each day after that.
Grace-Endy giving entry cards
Our medical team and support team
The medical team was assisted by Jules Fresnel and Jeanne Touloute, Haiti H2O’s Haitian Directors, and a support team made up of Lucner, Lenord, Watlin, and Grace-Endy.
Nurses taking blood pressure
The pharmacy distributes much needed medication
The doctors were surprised to find a serious outbreak of a newer parasitic infection, similar to scabies, that had not been known to be in this part of Haiti previously. Jules estimated that about 90% of the patients had this infection (see video below). Jeanne made two extra trips to Les Cayes to purchase the ointment needed to treat the large number of infected patients. Doctors expect that the treatment will clear up the outbreak rather quickly.
However, without access to regular medical care, people in rural Haiti are particularly susceptible to such contagious infections. That is why we’re excited to be moving forward with doctors and nurses in Haiti to begin to provide regular healthcare to our partner communities of Bassin Caiman and Plain Matin. Stay tuned for more information on this program in coming months.
Thank you to Friendship Community Church and all their fundraising efforts over the past two years that provided the opportunity for this medical clinic.
