Doctor with mom and baby at St. Justinien Hospital in Cap Haitien, Haiti, where USAID is constructing a new maternity ward.

Aaron Rossi, USAID

Overview

Haiti reports some of the world’s worst health indicators, which continue to inhibit the country’s development. While Haiti has struggled with poor health outcomes for generations, the health system was further debilitated by the 2010 earthquake, which demolished 50 health centers, part of Haiti’s primary teaching hospital, and the Ministry of Health. Only a few months later, Haiti’s health care network was further strained by the country’s first cholera outbreak in a century. In the wake of Hurricane Matthew, significant challenges remain to increase access to and utilization of improved water and sanitation services that are key to improving health and well-being.

USAID Strategy and Activities

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is heavily invested in meeting the immediate health needs of Haitians today, while working with the Haitian government to build long-term solutions to chronic health challenges affecting the nation. USAID’s robust health portfolio aims to both improve access to quality health services and strengthen the health system nationwide. USAID health programs are further bolstered by sizeable investments being made to rebuild Haiti’s health infrastructure. With USAID assistance, the Haitian government is taking meaningful steps toward full stewardship of its health sector. This includes the development and management of a sustainable system of private and public financing to cover operational costs as well as grow the network of public health care facilities.

Health services delivery: USAID support is increasing access to essential primary health care, including nutrition, family planning, HIV/AIDS, and tuberculosis services, to underserved communities. Currently, USAID supports 164 health facilities that provide access to these primary health care services for a significant proportion of the population.

Health systems strengthening: To ensure sustainability of these investments, efforts are underway to build needed leadership, managerial, and administrative skills within the Ministry of Health. These leadership and management skills will improve oversight and allow the Government of Haiti to manage health care assets more transparently and effectively.

Rebuilding public health infrastructure: Working alongside other international donors, USAID is supporting the reconstruction of the General University Hospital (HUEH), which is Haiti’s primary public tertiary and teaching hospital. USAID is also helping to construct a new pediatric ward at St. Justinien Hospital in Cap-Haitien and reconstruct the National Campus of Health Sciences. To improve infrastructure and accessibility for people with disabilities, USAID renovated nine schools and seven hospitals.

Related Links

• Now Open: USAID’s Office of American Schools and Hospitals Abroad Annual Program Statement (APS) for Fiscal Year 2017
• Life in the Clouds—Boosting Haitian Health Care Through Technology
• Haiti Tackles Hazardous Pharmaceutical Waste
• Waging a Battle Against HIV/AIDS
• Cooks Switch from Charcoal to Gas for Better Health in Haiti 
• Reducing Pneumonia's Toll