AMHE Relief Mission Report Indeed, we landed in the Haitian capital on the 19th of August 2010, Dr Monique Rousseau, Dr Jean J Janvier , Dr Eric Jerome . The other group composed of Dr Ducarmel Augustin, Dr Jean Claude Tabuteau Dr Nicole Michael and others arrived from Miami. In Port-au-Prince, it was essential to visit HUEH, the hub of our involvement in Haiti. The TB tents house close to 55 patients receiving anti TB treatment. According to Dr Megan Coffey the physician in charge since the earthquake of the 12 of January 2010, a great number of people with TB have been presenting to the ED of the HUEH and those tents are necessary to take care of them. They are discharged when the sputum becomes negative but they return for follow up to receive medications. Sputum tests are performed by Gieskhio free of charge. The nursing staff which is incredibly dedicated has been provided by the HUEH. Medications and nutritional supplements are given by diverse groups. These efforts need to be encouraged since they allowed this health issue to be addressed. Tuberculosis remains an endemic problem in Haiti. Each case we treat decreases the level of contamination. Lodging and transportation of Dr Coffey are assured by AMHE Medical Relief mission after the departure of IMC from HUEH last June. We arrived in Jeremie by car in the early hours of the morning on August 21sh 2010. From Port-au-Prince to Cayes, the ride turned out not to be difficult. However, crossing the mountains of the “Massif de la Hotte”, with highest peak of 7700 feet miles away, appeared very scary at night. The roads were being made larger since the cliffs were so deep. The stars with shining light in a dark sky became our GPS system. We were certain we were going north. We reached and crossed the Grand Anse Valley irrigated by four rivers just around 3:00am. After some rest at the Hotel “Le Bontemps” located on Emile Roumer avenue in Jeremie, we joined Dr Jean Claude Tabuteau group at St Antoine Parish near the Voldroque river with its blue green and limpid waters. The vegetations stood impressively majestic. On Dumarsais Estime bridge(1950) a smaller version of the Brooklyn bridge a thrill went down my spine with so much history around us, familial and political intertwined. We traveled behind the church where many physicians have already started to work. We were divided into specialty groups including Pediatrics, Medicine, Surgery, Ophthalmology and Women Health. A large crowd with many children was patiently waiting to be seen. We went back to our cozy Hotel one block from the Main hospital in Jeremie. And then we traveled to Gebeau to attend the theater. It was an Interesting play permeated with violence that concluded with the victory of Good over Evil. A city with theater in the middle of so much poverty indicates a sense of hope. And we were so glad AMHE physicians came to Jeremie to care for patients in need of doctors. Next day we met with the Chief Medical Doctor in his office Dr Jean Marie Duvilaire, hired less than a few months ago. He gave us an overview of medical services in the Hospital, one Medical Doctor, one OBGYN working for the past twenty years, one pediatrician, and two residents. No surgery was being performed. We met one representative from CDC and one from Gieskio collecting statistics and providing Anti HIV medications and care. We spent the afternoon making clinical rounds with the medical doctor. Cases of stroke, ascites, pneumonia, sickle cell, heat exhaustion, malignancy were discussed. The lab was not adequate. There was no EKG machine. Pharmacy was nearly empty. Ultrasonography is done in private with poor interpretation. Delivery of health services was inadequate, without the basic settings. Later we responded to Mr. Daniel Etienne invitation for a get together in the city of Roseaux, where we met many friends of grammar school (Frères de Instruction Chretienne). That School was closed to my consternation. We thank Daniel for a great reception. On Wednesday we traveled to Carrefour Sanon eight kilometers from the city of Jeremie for a clinic under the bananas trees. Sixty to seventy people were waiting. Greeted by smiling children we were more than happy to work on St Louis day the 25th of August 2010. Dental problems and eye ailments were found in need of immediate attention. We were tired out but happy for this wonderful journey to the city of Poets. This Mission represents a fact finding activity for better planning. We ask the membership to be ready for calls to action. AMHE Medical Relief Mission has sent his members to Jacmel, Cap Haitien and Jeremie.AMHE is therefore looking at decentralization of its activities. Dr Paul Nacier in his July 2010 presentation in Montebello Canada has clearly stated the new vision. Hope the membership continues to support such a great movement. The gorgeous land of Haiti needs to become a pride again with Haitians Helping Haitians.
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