As a result of the emergency situation faced by the Ministry of Health and Population (MSPP), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) are collaborating to support three hospitals in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area (ZMPAP) that provide maternal health services. The aim of this partnership is to improve access to healthcare, which has become increasingly difficult due to the current security situation.
Among the hospitals benefiting from this collaboration is Eliazar Germain Hospital. The support provided includes 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 Eliazar Germain Hospital, explains that this support enables them to provide essential obstetric and neonatal care and respond to emergencies at any time.
A direct beneficiary of this partnership is 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 this partnership is to reduce the cost of childbirth, allowing pregnant women to give birth in a safe environment with qualified personnel present. Since the collaboration began, three hospitals have recorded 62 physiological deliveries and 45 Caesarean sections, highlighting how vital this assistance is in improving access to maternal health services and reducing maternal and newborn mortality risk.
In addition to maternity services, UNFPA Representative in Haiti Philippe Degernier emphasizes that providing quality care to pregnant women is crucial. Moreover, UNFPA and 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.
In conclusion, this partnership between UNFPA and PAHO/WHO aims to improve accessibility of healthcare services for pregnant women facing emergency situations in Haiti’s Port-au-Prince metropolitan area through provision of essential medical equipment, supplies installation of reliable power supply system, distribution kits for managing abortion complications & sexual violence amongst others . This initiative will contribute towards reducing maternal & newborn mortality risk while promoting quality care for pregnant women.
