Dear Friends,
I write to you today with Haiti in deep crisis. For critical health services the crisis is dire. Recent estimates are that four out of every five hospitals and healthcare facilities in Haiti have been forced to close.
We at Hôpital Albert Schweitzer remain open, serving patients each day.
With so many surrounding health centers closed, HAS is receiving patients from far and wide who are desperate for medical attention. Ambulances are dropping of patients from closed health facilities.
Like in most crises, it’s always the most vulnerable and marginalized that suffer most: our maternity ward is overwhelmed, our Pediatrics Department is flooded with children while our NICU is at full capacity.
The ability to continue our mission is a tribute to the incredible professionalism and dedication of every team member at HAS.
But our ability to continue is at risk and we truly need your support.
Power: We are out of fuel and cut off from receiving any deliveries. Our only source of power is our Solar plant which provides us with electricity during daylight hours. However, when the sun sets, we have no electricity. Our medical team is now forced to use flashlights to illuminate the darkness to provide basic medical care. Everyone waits for the sun to rise and hopes the day is not overcast for power to return.
Cholera: The outbreak in Port-au-Prince has officially reached HAS. Yesterday we received our first three confirmed Cholera patients and have reopened our Cholera center. Many more are sure to arrive at our doorstep.
Medical Supplies: Our inventory of essential medicines and supplies is now critically low. With the ports in Port-au-Prince completely cut off and with all major international shipping companies suspending shipments into Haiti, even more shortages of medical supplies and even food are looming.
But let there be no question that HAS will do absolutely everything in its power to keep going.
Please consider helping our immediate efforts to keep healthcare available with a donation today. It has never been more important.
Sincerely,
Jean Marc de Matteis
CEO
|