Here in Haiti - a short report
Well the news got out fairly quickly that Dr Paul Walsh and I were coming here. Maybe its my accent, but the story was quickly distorted in the rumour mill, and the latest was that we were going to Tahiti!
Anyway we are sitting here in the courtyard of a hostel in Port au Prince, and are pleased to report that we have been quite industrious, we have met many NGO's and some very special people who have been trying to bring us up to speed on the "situation" here.
I suspect we shall unfold the full story for all when we get back, but we thought a quick overview might be courteous for the many people that have expressed so much support to us.
It seemed that immediately on our arrival (without Paul's luggage), we hit the ground running. First on the list was a medical clinic in Cite Soleil, that notorious slum in Port an Prince. We were escorted in by the caretaker, on his motor bike. He seemed to know everyone everywhere, we almost felt "Presidential" and then there was "Mission Ranch" a small medical oasis with an orphange attached. They would love any kind of dental care!
They have a saying here "that one sees from where one looks"............. as Canadians it did not look too good. The only thing in abundance was the smiles.
Then off to the Dental School where we met the Vice Dean Sam Prophete, the Dean and many staff members. The structure of the school itself emerged largely unscathed from the earthquake, the medical school next door was largely destroyed including a full cohort of 150 nurses, in the 33 seconds that so cruelly changed so much for so many. There is great need in the dental school for equipment and supplies.
We met Dr Prophete, a charming man, later for supper. He kindly introduced us to Dr Ariel Henry a minister of health. He "filled us in" of plans for the future, but alas he had to leave early due to an unfolding health crisis in the Central Highlands.
Thursday was a planned trip to the Central Highlands, under the care of Partners in Health (look em up on the Web), escorted by Jon Lascher their "Procurement Officer". Jon is a delightful young man who has more energy that the two of us put together. His finger was very much on the pulse and we were frankly astonished at the work and success of their programmes. They have developed partnerships in Haiti over the last 25 years and their hospitals have been pivotal in the response we have seen since January. We had a lot to learn from him.
The drive to the Central Highlands was both long and painful across roads barely manageable to a four wheel drive, the scenery was stunning. We visited health care facilities in the back of beyond and then a little further. We were asked to consult on a broken jaw and as you may appreciate, you just keep a wet fingered dentist down!
Many will know by now that there is an emerging health crisis with the cholera outbreak in the very region we were visiting, the story was unfolding by the minute as we continued on throughout the day. As procurement officed Jon was responsible for most things associated with containing and treating an epidemic. He operated his I-phone with his right hand and his cell phone with his left, speaking 3 languages as we bounced over dirt tracks in the middle of nowhere.
He apologised profusely as he went, checking on the availability of rehdration packs from Panama, their delivery time, was Cipro available and had the bugs been confirmed and identified yet. The connections of PIH were impressive. The tour still went on......
14 hours later, long after dark, we arrived in the Womens Health compound in La Colline. 4 ragged, past their best, well sweated guys were made warmly welcome, in this bastion of feminine retreat. We behaved well and remembered our manners.
So, Paul and I are back in Port au Prince, our brains are dizzy, bodies tired. Our impressions so far
well the country was dealt a cruel blow Jan 12th, the good news is that it is up and running again, there is a lot going on, sure its going to take time............ I do not know what the dental community can do about 1.2 million people living in tent cities, but we can help in other ways, and I suspect we shall!
The smiles on the faces of the school children walking hand in hand at the side of the road, their uniforms freshly laundered, attest to the resilience of a remarkable people. I have to say that there is much hope for the future.
Anyway more to come when we get home, we wonder that Monday morning at the office might be like wakening up from a dream.......................
More to follow
