UNFPA and PAHO/WHO Provide Critical Care to Pregnant Women in Haiti
In response to the emergency situation faced by the Ministry of Health and Population (MSPP), three hospitals in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area (ZMPAP) are receiving support from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). The collaboration aims to improve access to healthcare, which has become increasingly difficult due to the current security situation.
One of the hospitals benefiting from this partnership is Eliazar Germain Hospital. The support includes the provision of essential medical equipment and supplies, as well as the installation of a reliable power supply system to ensure continuous availability of electricity. Dr. Francito Datus, the medical director of the hospital, states that this support enables them to provide essential obstetric and neonatal care and respond to emergencies at any time.
The partnership has also directly benefited Josépha, a young mother of twins who recently underwent a successful Caesarean section. She expresses her gratitude for the excellent care she received. The goal of the partnership is to reduce the cost of childbirth, allowing pregnant women to give birth in a safe environment with qualified personnel present. Since collaboration began, 62 physiological deliveries and 45 Caesarean sections have been recorded, improving access to maternal health services and reducing risk for maternal and newborn mortality.
In addition to maternity services, UNFPA Representative in Haiti Philippe Degernier emphasizes that providing quality care to pregnant women is crucial. He further adds that UNFPA along with PAHO/WHO are addressing urgent needs in sexual and reproductive health by distributing kits for managing abortion complications and sexual violence, extending their support beyond just maternal health services.
Overall, this partnership aims to improve accessibility of healthcare for women during pregnancy and beyond which can help save lives by reducing maternal mortality rate while also addressing other health concerns such as sexual violence.
