first impressions

Haiti is a beautiful, but broken country.  Forested mountains, golden sands and clear blue seas.  But the streets are strewn with rotting rubbish, feral dogs and families of goats.  Outside the capital Port au Prince, there is very little power.  In down-town Cap-Haitien, the second city, one or two of the more affluent businesses have it, though then maybe only 25% of the time.  There is no running water, no sewage system, no road repairs, no street-lights, no waste collection, and absolutely no recycling.  A good job there is no council tax.  There are often fuel shortages, and sometimes manifestations  (disturbances, protests…).  There is broadband, but that is sporadic at best.

However, when I visit the hospital for the first time I find the staff incredible; committed, passionate and so very, very generous and kind.  Hospital Convention Baptiste d’Haiti (HCBH) started out as a one building clinic in 2007 focussed on maternity care, but is now a 100 bed hospital with a great reputation in the community.

Covid-19 or not, we do not realise just how fortunate we are to have such a wonderful NHS.  In Haiti healthcare is for those that can afford it.  It is not uncommon for patients to leave hospital before their treatment is complete in order to avoid paying the fees.  Or leave their new-born baby.  I have already met two people who have adopted abandoned babies.

This is going to be a tough gig, but so fulfilling I’m sure.