|
|
"Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary. So then, while we have opportunity, let us do good to all people..." Galatians 6:9-10
|
|||
|
ABOUT US
History of IAM
CURRENT PROJECTS
Rebuilding Haiti
Youth Retreats
Churches
|
Medical Clinics
Healthcare in rural areas of Haiti is almost non-existent. Where it is available, it's unaffordable to the 80% of Haitians living under the poverty level. There are very few government sponsored medical clinics in the country and even fewer hospitals. Haiti has one doctor for every 10,000 people; 60% of the population lacks even the most basic of health care services.
Tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS, malaria, diarrhea, and malnourishment are the leading causes of death among children and adults. Haiti has the highest infant mortality rate in the Western Hemisphere. 10% of Haitian children will die before reaching the age of 5.
Illnesses which would be easily treated in the US are life-threatening in Haiti. Simple coughs turn into pneumonia. Diaper rash left untreated spreads across a child's entire body. A lack of sexual education in the country has led to extremely young teenage pregnancy and a rise in STDs. Dehydration often leads to death.
To combat this astronomical problem, IAM holds a medical clinic each January in a remote area of the country. Patients begin coming to the clinic the evening before it opens, spending the night on uncomfortable church benches to assure they'll be seen by doctors. They sometimes wait ten to twelve hours only to be told to come back the next day because it's getting too dark to work. When they finally do see the doctor, hope and thanks are written across their faces.
An average of 1,000 to 1,200 patients are seen each year. Our doctors treat everything from headaches to malnourishment, skin rashes to STDs, and dehydration to diabetes. They perform minor surgeries and when supplies allow, test people for reading glasses. Each patient seen receives a sandwich and juice, a one-month supply of vitamins, and hard to get hygiene products such as toothpaste and soap. Children receive candy and a toy and those in the greatest need receive clothing and shoes.
2010 Medical Trip
The 2010 medical was a blessing to all who went. We saw more than 2000 patients in four days, offering medical care as well as hope. If you are interested in joining us on our next medical trip, please e-mail info@intlalliedmissions.org.
Click HERE to read a letter about this year's trip from IAM Board President, Debbie Yoho. |
|
||
|
|
|||
