Haiti

The Need

International Medical Relief supported Haiti after the massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake that struck the island nation back in 2010, where more than 220,000 people were killed and over 1.5 million people were displaced from their homes resulting in an increase in vulnerability to more humanitarian crises. Also, there was another earthquake with a 5.9 magnitude in 2018, which further impeded on Haiti’s ability to build their health care system. 

You and the rest of the volunteer team will work in a unique urban environment to educate locals on how to stay healthy and how to care for their loved ones. Together, we will treat a wide variety of acute and chronic illnesses, including cholera, tuberculosis, malaria, acute illnesses, infectious disease, and diarrheal disease. Also, you will treat lesser-known tropical diseases, including leishmaniasis, leptospirosis, and lymphatic filariasis. Your team may also treat large wounds from motor vehicle accidents. 

In addition to medical care and education, one of the main focuses of this mission is dentistry. Another focus of this mission is the health of women and children. These at-risk populations battle sexually transmitted diseases, pre-eclampsia, malnourishment, parasitic infections, and domestic violence.

Our Work

IMR first traveled to Haiti in  2010 after the devastating 7.0 magnitude earthquake. Since 2019, IMR has deployed 1,781 volunteers and staff and served over 62,000 patients. IMR was able to provide surgical and disaster relief, and now we have expanded our efforts towards preventative work and providing help for acute illnesses. IMR provides at least five days of full clinic to over 25 different communities. IMR continues to provide community health training, medical treatments, medical supplies and equipment, and clinic operations. IMR has built strong ties towards the community and our partners are able to provide translators as well as Haitian doctors, dentists, and nurses during each of the clinics. By partnering with the and training with community health workers, IMR is able to assist in the process of increasing Haiti’s own capacity of care. 

One of Haiti’s largest obstacles is providing their community with basic care due to their lack of human resources. Large numbers of foreign health professionals are needed to cover Haiti’s health care shortage, but also to provide training to the native health care workers in order to improve and sustain the health of the community. IMR continues to achieve this goal by quickly responding to disasters, but also providing long-term sustainable care due to our emphasis on education and the partnerships we have created during our time serving in Haiti.

With diligent planning and preparation, IMR is dedicated to ensuring that specific goals are met on our missions, each in correlation to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 3, 6, and 17.

IMR works to elevate vulnerable populations through shoulder-to-shoulder care with our local partners, creating workforce density, and a cadre of future healthcare and public health leaders in association to UNSDG 3: Good Health & Wellbeing. 

Our medical mission teams also work toward UNSDG 6: Clean Water & Sanitation by supporting and strengthening the participation of local communities in improving their water quality, and installing water filtration systems that supply communities with clean drinking water and providing education on hydration and hygiene.

In correlation with UNSDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals, our organization works in collaboration and at the request of local hosts where we are under their direct influence and affluence. IMR never goes into a country without a formal invitation where there is a great community need for medical or dental care, and health education.

This Mission

The International Medical Relief (IMR) team needs your assistance as we continue to help the Haitian people improve their quality of life and restore a sense of normality. Haiti’s capital city, Port-au-Prince, exudes an incredible, diverse culture, where the people are proud.

The Haitian culture is incredible and diverse, with much strength and resolve. Come join IMR as we return to work with our Haitian partners and further build our bond with this beautiful population.

Lodging/Transportation

The team will stay in modest, comfortable accommodations. The primary hotel compound is gated, has private security, a wonderful restaurant, air conditioning, and a pool. Haiti is an excellent trip choice for families with younger children because of the accommodations. Modern buses or vans will transport the team to clinics each day. Small, open Jeeps will occasionally transport the team to smaller villages.

Highlights

The highlight of your time in Haiti is in clinic! You will talk about the vibrant and boisterous crowds, significant needs of your patients, and the opportunity to make a difference upon your return home.  Haiti is a place you won’t forget easily.

On your free day, there is ample shopping — hammered tin, beautiful paintings, edgy paper mâché vases, and lovely small carvings — from all over Haiti and the Caribbean. The shopping itself is exciting with rapid-fire bargaining and friendly competition among the sellers. Join IMR for a remarkable experience, a mere two and a half hours from the coast of Florida.

Extend Your Stay

Since you’re journeying across the globe, have you considered extending your stay to visit the nearby beautiful Dominican Republic? Join International Medical Relief on an exclusive trip extension provided by our partner, Worldwide Navigators!

• Visit the lush, tropical park, Los Tres Ojos National Park in Santo Domingo
• Get ready for adventure on a catamaran sailboat excursion along the Bávaro coast
• Enjoy a Segway tour through lush forest trails and freshwater lagoons

Click here to view the itinerary!

Ready for the adventure? Connect with Worldwide Navigators today!