The Challenge
Even before the January 2010 earthquake, 40 percent of the Haitian population had no access to basic health services; infant mortality in Haiti was the highest in the Americas, and tuberculosis rates were the highest in the Western Hemisphere. Chronic malnutrition was widespread, with 32 percent of children malnourished; and the HIV/AIDS prevalence was 2.2 percent. The earthquake devastated much of Haiti’s health infrastructure, destroying and damaging many clinics and hospitals, disabling thousands of people, and initially displacing 1.5 million to camps, with elevated risks of communicable diseases. A cholera outbreak starting in October 2010 added additional strains to this overburdened system.
USG Strategy
The U.S. Government (USG) has been providing access to health services for 50 percent of the people of Haiti for the last five years, including a basic package of health services (primarily maternal and child health) and more sophisticated HIV/AIDS prevention and treatment services. After the earthquake, the USG moved quickly to address the new health needs, including disability care, while maintaining essential services. The USG is also making progress on rebuilding key health infrastructure according to the Ministry of Health and Population’s (MSPP) plans for a sustainable network of health facilities. To build back better in Haiti in the face of the many challenges, the USG is entering into a Global Health Partnership Framework with the Haitian government, which promotes sustainability by emphasizing country ownership and leadership. The Framework will be accompanied by a five-year implementation plan that encompasses contributions of the government, civil society, the private sector, and other donors.
Accomplishments
We continue to provide access to essential health services, while responding to needs arising from the earthquake and cholera outbreak. The USG has: