On April 22 and 23, the Republic of Haiti’s Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP) inaugurated three health centres built as part of the ACOSME (Support to the Mother-Child Health Continuum in Haiti) project. Held in the presence of the First Lady of the Republic of Haiti, the Minister of Health and a representative of the Canadian Embassy, three separate ceremonies highlighted the success of international cooperation in building these three health centres and putting them into service.
Left to right: Ms. Carmen Mondesir, Deputy Mayor of Limonade commune; Dr. Rose Francesse Pierre, ACOSME Project Teamleader, Ms. Martine Moïse, First Lady of the Republic of Haiti; Dr. Ernst Robert Jasmin, Departmental Director of Health.
A Triumph for International Cooperation and Tribute to Women's Leadership
Since 2016, the ACOSME project has worked with the MSPP and supported the Direction Sanitaire du Nord (Health Directorate of the Département du Nord d’Haïti) at all levels of the healthcare pyramid in different communities of Haiti’s Département du Nord. As part of this project, the health centres of Bahon, Grand Pré and Bord de Mer de Limonade have been entirely built and equipped by the ACOSME project, with the financial support of Canada and with power and staffing provided by the MSPP.
In the very difficult circumstances of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the construction and deployment of these three health centres is an outstanding example of the successful cooperation and commitment of all stakeholders. Inauguration of the centres also showcases the importance of international cooperation in improving health conditions throughout Haiti and around the world.
The event also paid tribute to women’s contributions to these achievements. The vital roles of women in society were clearly demonstrated by their involvement at all levels of the project. This project also underscored the strength and leadership of Haitian women from construction to community organization—such as committees of female healthcare service users (CFUs)—as well as with the participation in the inaugurations by the First Lady of the Republic and the Minister of Health.
Three brand-new centres, bringing hope to women, children and all residents
Designed to serve the communities of Bahon, Limonade and Quartier Morin, the three health centres were built and equipped according to the MSPP’s best practices and in line with Canadian standards. In addition to general consultation services and lab tests, each centre will provide maternal and child healthcare services (prenatal clinic, family planning, vaccination and nutritional follow-up), while the health centres in Bahon and Bord de Mer de Limonade will handle deliveries. Each centre also has patient observation rooms and 24/7 ER services.
Together, these three centres assist 105,775 residents, consisting of 52,064 women and 53,771 men, who previously had only limited or irregular access to the services now being offered. The opening of these health centres substantially increases the availability of healthcare services—and real hope for improved public health—in these three communities. With the new maternity services provided in Bahon and Limonade, and the family planning services provided in Quartiers Morin, these centres are improving the health of mothers and newborns, while benefitting society as a whole.
’’The Direction sanitaire du Nord (DSN) is delighted with the initiatives taken by the ACOSME project. I would also like to applaud the outstanding cooperation of the DSN’s staff, which permitted these great achievements as part of a joint effort to enhance Haiti’s healthcare system. As Minister Marie Greta Roy Clément, noted, these accomplishments demonstrate the importance of this kind of cooperation between Haiti and Canada’’ said Dre Rose Francesse Pierre, ACOSME project teamleader
Left to right: Dr. Marie Greta Roy Clément, Minister of Health, MSPP; Dr. Erika Laforest, Director, Human Resources; Dr. Rose Francesse Pierre, Teamleader, ACOSME project, Mr. Guypsy Michel, Americas Director, CECI; Mr. Ferry Doristin, Senior Mayor of Bahon; Dr. Lauré Adrien, General Director, MSPP, Engineer Marcel Amboise, Director, CECI Work, Dr. Jean Patrick Alfred, Director, UEP, Dr. Ernst Robert Jasmin, Departmental Director of Health; Mr. Seide Zachary, Pastor, Commune of Bahon; Ms. Mélanie Medacier Orvilus, Deputy Mayor of Bahon, Ms. Martine Moïse, First Lady of the Republic of Haiti.
About the ACOSME Project
Launched in 2016 by the Unité de santé internationale (USI) and Centre d’étude et de coopération internationale (CECI) consortium and produced in conjunction with the Republic of Haiti’s Ministère de la Santé Publique, the ACOSME project is aimed at reducing Haiti’s maternal and infant mortality, particularly in targeted areas of the Département du Nord.
The project consists of three components. The first concerns the improved delivery (availability and quality) of a continuum of essential services, such as family planning, that respond to the needs and rights of mothers, pregnant women, newborns and children. The second is to improve use by women, their families and young people of such services. The last is to increase awareness among Canadians of issues pertaining to the health and rights of mothers, pregnant women, newborns and children under the age of five, in Haiti.
The ACOSME project is being carried out with the financial support of the Government of Canada, through Global Affairs Canada.
