Collaborative Efforts by UNFPA and PAHO/WHO to Enhance Maternal Health Care in Haiti

In an effort to support the Ministry of Health and Population’s emergency response and improve access to healthcare in the midst of challenging security conditions, the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO/WHO) are working together to support three hospitals in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area providing maternal health services. One of these hospitals benefiting from the support is Eliazar Germain Hospital, where essential medical equipment and a reliable power supply system have been provided to ensure continuous availability of electricity for maternal health care.

Dr. Francito Datus, the medical director of Eliazar Germain Hospital, explains that with the support of UNFPA and PAHO/WHO, the hospital is now able to provide essential obstetric and neonatal care, as well as handle emergencies at any time. A young mother named Josépha, who recently gave birth to twins via Caesarean section, is a direct beneficiary of this partnership and expresses gratitude for the care she received.

The goal of the partnership is to reduce the cost of childbirth and enable pregnant women to give birth in safe conditions with qualified personnel present. Since the partnership began, 62 physiological deliveries and 45 Caesarean sections have been performed at the three beneficiary hospitals. The support provided by UNFPA and PAHO/WHO aims to strengthen the capacity to manage deliveries and obstetric complications, ultimately reducing the risk of maternal and newborn mortality.

In addition to maternity services, the two agencies have expanded their support to address urgent needs in sexual and reproductive health. Kits for managing abortion complications and sexual violence have been distributed to further support the healthcare services provided in the region.