Renovated Health Center Expands Access to Care in Haiti
Forty years ago, Sister Evelyn Tremblay asked Haiti’s Ministère de la Santé Publique et de la Population (MSPP: Ministry of Public Health and Population) for a dispensary to be constructed in the rough, remote hills of Gris-Gris. Sister’s request was granted, with the promise of staff and technical assistance.
However, over time, lack of staff, equipment, and medicine left the Saint Rose de Gris-Gris Health Center nonfunctional—and local residents were without nearby healthcare services. This situation changed earlier this year, when CMMB participated in the inauguration of a renovated Saint-Rose de Gris-Gris Health Center.
The work was undertaken by CMMB in collaboration with Père Faillant, the priest at Saint Rose de Lima of Gris-Gris, with funding from the United Methodist Church General Board of Global Ministries as part of the Haiti Child Health Project, and support from the MSPP and the Église Méthodiste d’Haïti (the Methodist Church of Haiti).
Dr. Dianne Jean-François, CMMB Haiti country director, cut the red ribbon at the inauguration ceremony.
At the ribbon cutting ceremony, one of the first patients of the center back in 1979 shared her experience of the health center’s early days; the MSPP’s director for the Sud-Est département, Dr. Levelt, expressed his gratitude to CMMB and identified the nurse who will work full time at the clinic; Père Faillant noted that it will be open 24/7; and Dr. Dianne Jean-François, CMMB Haiti country director, cut the red ribbon across the entrance.
The Haiti Child Health Project is offering technical assistance to several faith-based health facilities serving the poor and vulnerable. As a result of the renovation, the Gris-Gris facility once again offers maternity, dental, laboratory, pharmacy, and vaccination services to approximately 20,000 residents. That’s great news for children like Jean Dany (pictured below).
By expanding access to quality care in marginalized communities, we’re supporting healthier lives for women and children.
Four-year-old Jean Dany was feeling very sick and sad when his mother, Etienne, brought him to see Dr. Registe at Saint Rose. He had a cough and red, swollen eyes. Jean Dany and his large family live in extreme poverty in this remote community, without access to running water, sanitation, or electricity.
Through the facility’s partnership with CMMB, Saint Rose de Gris-Gris Health Center offers free care and medicine to the most vulnerable patients, including children under five like Jean Dany. It’s a relief to mothers like Etienne. With limited economic opportunities, most women struggle to provide their children with basics, including food. Healthcare and medicine are often out of reach.
Dr. Registe assured Jean Dany that he would soon be feeling better, prescribing antibiotic eye drops and medicine for his cough. By supporting child health with increased access to checkups, vaccines, and essential medicines, we’re investing in a better future for all.
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