A Health Promotion Project in Haiti
Since 1990, the ATD Fourth World team in Haiti has been working in partnership with the Service Oecumenique d’Entraide (SOE), to provide health care for poor families living in Bolosse-sous-Dalle through their St. Michel Clinic.
Around 250 families have been able to take advantage of health cards and price reductions on consultations, treatment, and medication. Families are invited regularly to meet with the staff from the clinic and the ATD Fourth World team to discuss health related topics.
Through its activities in the area, the ATD Fourth World team has been able to develop a close relationship with the families living there and to help them take advantage of free health advice offered by the partners of the SOE and the clinic. Projects with young children have been a good way to bring together adults who want to learn about health issues.
The lives of families living in poverty are very insecure and they cannot afford health care expenses. ATD Fourth World chose to support these families in partnership with the St. Michel Clinic to provide low-cost health care (seven gourdes instead of 50). The volunteer running this project comes to the neighborhood once a week. Out of the 20-40 people who attend each week, 20-30 are referred to the St. Michel Clinic or to the GAPSI for dental care.
Excerpt from the 2000 report from ‘ATD Quart Monde - Terre et Homme de demain’ and triannial report of International Movement ATD Fourth World (1999-2001).
