Clinic for children with chronic diseases

Thousands of Haitian citizens have taken to the streets across Haiti in demonstrations and violent protest since the beginning of February. During these deadly outcries against corruption, Haitians opposing the status quo are going head-to-head with the Haitian National Police (PNH), while demanding the resignation of Haitian president Jovenel Moise. The activists were initially localized to the capital surrounding the home of the president, however, as tensions increase, have expanded to other parts of the country.

 

During the first week of February, uprisings expanded to Montrouis, the home of Kay Mackenson Clinic. Even prior to this localization, none of our patients were able to safely get to the clinic to retrieve and replenish their life-saving insulin. For our cardiac patients, medications are scarce. Our stocks are dangerously low, with no way to replenish them.

 

Distressingly, the risk of travel still prohibits the majority of our patients from making it to the clinic, and us from making deliveries. Our staff are either stranded at the clinic and unable to return home, or remain at home waiting for an opportunity for safe travel to the clinic. Some of our patients’ families, out of pure desperation, have risked their lives, hiring motorcycle taxis, confronting roadblocks, continuing on foot through and navigating increasingly dangerous environments until they can get to the clinic for their children.

 

Despite indications that greater peace may be in the near future, the political climate renders us unable to obtain lifesaving supplies, including warfarin. In the aftermath of these demonstrations, we are seeking assistance in securing these lifesaving and essential supplies for our patients as our country begins to recuperate. Our Kay Mackenson team remains committed to setting policies that ensure the best accommodations and care for our growing patient population.