See our News and Blog pages to keep up-to-date with the latest information. Find out below the context of the situation, our plans and how you can help.
‘HHA came to help make the vision of a well-respected Haitian paediatrician a reality; a Haitian hospital that offered quality, affordable, and compassionate care to the poor.
I was immediately impressed by their interest in working closely and respectfully with both the community and the Haitian health authorities to “do it right”, with maximum local direction and ownership.’
Nate Nickerson RN, DrPH, Executive Director, Konbit Sante
Maternity Mortality Rates
In 2005 there were an estimated 530,000 maternity based deaths globally, of which 99% happened in the developing world like Haiti. Haiti has the highest rate of maternal mortality in the Western Hemisphere, with 527 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.
The problem is huge and the result of a number of key factors. An estimated 10-15% of maternal mortalities in the developing world in 2005 were thought to be attributable to pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, claiming up to 40,000 lives each year. The real tragedy is that these conditions and subsequent deaths can be avoided with appropriate care like caesarean sections. Because this support isn’t often offered or is inaccessible, women needlessly die.
What We Are Doing
The Haiti Hospital Appeal is working alongside the Haitian Government and a number of other NGOs to help change this in the Northern department through the establishment of a new Maternity Unit. Our heart is not to create a separate health system, but empower Haitian medics to create a sustainable, inclusive and accessible health service, driven by Haitian vision. We’re committed to ensuring Haitians are offered health care without any form of regional, religious, or economical discrimination.
Our New Maternity Unit
Our new Maternity Unit will provide specialist care to the most at risk women, identified through our maternity outreach work. The unit will consist of pre and post natal wards for 25 inpatients, delivery rooms, a surgical department for C-sections and other emergency surgical needs, and an ultra sound department. The unit will provide pre and post natal care, offering vaccinations, family planning, education, vitamin distribution and much more.
In partnership with The White Ribbon Alliance, and thanks to the Naomi Campbell 2010 Fasion for Relief show, we’ll be supporting a team of over 23 people, including midwives, OBGYN’s and Anesthetists.
This project is a major undertaking and will need the support of our loyal donors to help it fulfill its potential. If you’d like to support this project, please make a donation today, or even consider signing up to become a monthly donor.