Published on 12.17.08

Haiti, the only “least-developed” country in the Americas, lacks basic health services and infrastructure, leaving many citizens trapped in a cycle of disease and poverty. Haitians are at risk for numerous infectious diseases, and the country is plagued by the Caribbean’s largest NTD burden. In particular, lymphatic filariasis (LF) and soil-transmitted helminths (STHs) afflict millions of Haitians, having a devastating impact on their physical, economic, and social well-being. The challenges presented by such dire conditions are bolstered by civil strife, political instability, and frequent natural disasters.

Despite these unfavorable circumstances, the University of Notre Dame (UND) has established a stable and effective NTD control program that has grown over time and significantly reduced the country’s disease burden. In collaboration with its partners, UND has conducted yearly mass drug administration (MDA) for LF and STHs since 2000, with the exception of 2006, during which resources were limited due to a hiatus in external funding. These interventions have reached more than 80% of the communes with highest LF endemicity; they are largely responsible for the 50% reduction of LF transmission in Haiti, keeping the country on track with its goal to eliminate this disease before 2020. Other recent successes by the program include:

• Surpassing treatment targets in several communes
• Transferring management of certain NTD control activities to local health systems, thus fostering sustainability
• Enhancing international awareness of Haiti’s situation through various forms of advocacy

Partners also continue to collaborate with local communities to enhance integration of individual disease programs and coordinate them with existing health initiatives, such as adding DEC distribution (against lymphatic filariasis) to iodine-fortified salt programs. These approaches have the potential to greatly enhance the health benefits of many interventions—for NTDs and for other diseases—at a minimal add-on cost, ultimately resulting in improved cost-effectiveness and health outcomes. Further achievements are likely in upcoming years as the program scales up through additional funding Father Thomas Streit, director of the UND’s Haiti Program, stated, “I really believe the Haiti team/partnerships deserve [to be commended] for the incredible work [they have] done in a difficult setting. We encourage continued support for this successful program as it helps the people of Haiti take control of their own health and live better lives.”