In the face of the political turmoil that is part of the presidential election process in Haiti, International Ministries (IM) missionaries, partnering with groups like the Convention of Baptists in Haiti (CBH) and Doctors Without Borders, have mobilized to respond to a cholera epidemic that has ravished this poorest of Caribbean nations.
Hundreds of cholera patients in the north of Haiti are receiving free care and treatment in tents bordering the CBH hospital in Quartier Morin. Sectioned off in neon orange snow fence, the cholera center provides 24/7 care that includes re-hydration through oral re-hydration solution and IV serums. Patients arriving at the center are admitted while doctors assess vitals and interview those bringing the sick. The soles of shoes are sprayed in a bleach solution and hands are also rinsed by everyone coming and going.
“This is the biggest center to treat cholera in the north," says Pastor Eugene Gedeon, CBH president. "This is a very good place to be. As teams of doctors and nurses provide treatment, they are also giving patients and their families hope. It is a very big blessing to people in Haiti."
Dr. Stephen James, IM medical missionary, has been serving through the Ebenezer Community Health Center in Haute Limbé. He reports of similar procedures to those in Quartier Moran, adding, “People arrive all day and night with vomiting and diarrhea, many close to death due to rapid dehydration.”
At both facilities, as well as in Grand Rivière du Nord where IM is partnering with IMA World Health, water is purified in a separate tent where hoses never stop filling containers, jugs and plastic bags—anything that will hold water. Masked attendants briskly whisk buckets throughout the entire complex. The 2% mortality rate, compared to a national rate of 16%, is due to the high quality of care and a massive education strategy that refutes false rumors about the epidemic in the atmosphere of the general election.
Efforts throughout Haiti include the dedication of volunteers from the U.S. and Canada who are providing medical and logistical support and installing water purification systems. Among those focused on the educational component is IM missionary Kihomi Ngwemi, who is helping to empower women community leaders to identify the true causes of cholera. She observes, "We travel all over to train leaders and have seen big changes in latrine usage and cleaning areas with much better health overall. Along with this training we always share the love of Jesus—the source of power for our ministry."
American Baptist mission involvement in Haiti began in 1823, which led to the establishment that year of the first Baptist congregation in the city of Cap Haitien. Support for IM’s efforts in the 21st century can be provided through this website (go to GIVE, scroll down to HAITI) or the World Mission Offering through your American Baptist congregation, or by mail directly to International Ministries, PO Box 851, Valley Forge, PA 19482-0851.