International Child Care, a nonprofit organization, is committed to enhancing the lives of children and families in Haiti’s vulnerable communities. Working collaboratively with local governments, organizations and communities, to provide a holistic approach to tackle issues like child health, education, nutrition and protection. International Child Care aims to break the cycle of poverty and create sustainable change in the long term, through its programs, grassroots efforts and advocacy work.

Since 1967, International Child Care has dedicated itself to transforming the lives of Haiti’s children and families through various programs centered on health and wellness. With one in 11 children dying before the age of 5 due to malnutrition and disease, the organization prioritizes health care and empowerment. Its programs aim to prevent illness, promote health and facilitate restoration.

Grace Children’s Hospital

Grace Children’s Hospital, operated by International Child Care, is Haiti’s premier medical facility, serving about 400 patients daily. It features both inpatient and outpatient clinics. The inpatient clinic, staffed entirely by Haitian professionals, provides essential care for children facing various health issues, including malnutrition, tuberculosis, HIV/AIDS and general health care needs, as well as maternal health services. Children typically stay for three months, during which they receive comprehensive medical care, nutritious meals and support from nurses’ aides. Some children, as they begin to recover, have the opportunity to attend school at the hospital, often receiving their first formal education.

The outpatient clinic at Grace Children’s Hospital delivers essential health care services to the local community, offering treatments and support for conditions such as tuberculosis in children and adults, HIV/AIDS, as well as providing eye exams, reproductive health care, nutrition advice and pediatric care. The hospital’s pharmacy ensures that patients receive the necessary medications. Additionally, the hospital operates the Urban Community Health program, which delivers health care services directly to residents of Port-au-Prince and its tent cities. Committed to the community’s health and well-being, the hospital guarantees care for all patients, regardless of their ability to pay.

Integrated Community Health

International Child Care operates Integrated Community Health programs that significantly impact vulnerable communities in Haiti by empowering residents to enhance their health and well-being. The organization partners with local communities to provide education and promote health and wellness, equipping them with the necessary knowledge and resources to fight disease and malnutrition. Through initiatives such as immunization and child health clinics, these programs extend aid to even the most remote areas. Emphasizing grassroots participation, the program aims to guide and lead communities toward improved health outcomes.

Education Programs

International Child Care actively combats poverty in Haiti by emphasizing education alongside health care. The organization operates a simulation laboratory (SimLab) and training center that offers hands-on experience to students, nurses and health care workers. These facilities equip them with the skills necessary to provide high-quality care to children and families in Haiti, allowing them to practice crucial skills in a controlled environment where mistakes carry no severe consequences. Funded by the United Methodist Women, the SimLab features CPR manikins for infants, children and adults, French-speaking automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for rapid response training in cardiac emergencies and specialized training provided by U.S. volunteers, including nurses and doctors. These educational programs ensure health care workers are well-prepared to meet the health care needs of Haitian communities.

Looking Forward

International Child Care continues to make strides in fostering sustainable health and education solutions for Haiti’s most vulnerable. By providing comprehensive care and education through initiatives like Grace Children’s Hospital and the Integrated Community Health programs, the organization plays a critical role in breaking the cycle of poverty. These ongoing efforts not only enhance immediate health outcomes but also build the foundation for long-term community resilience and empowerment.

– Isabella Green

Isabella is based in Aylesbury, UK and focuses on Good News for The Borgen Project.

Photo: Flickr