saving lives

SAVING LIVES PROJECT

Project Rationale

Cardiovascular diseases weigh heavily in the mortality rate of non-communicable diseases in Haiti. The prevalence of rheumatic and congenital heart disease remains high in Haiti and is often overlooked.

To support Haiti’s medical system and empower medical professionals to provide adequate and specialized health services, DFI launched an Educational/Learning program for medical students and practitioners in Haiti, as specialized training in the field of Cardiology is not available on site. Through this Educational Program, medical students have the opportunity to strengthen their understanding of basic Medical Sciences, expand their knowledge of cardiovascular medicine and acquire the skills and knowledge necessary to provide diagnostic and curative services to patients.

A Cardiovascular Institute will be created, in the medium term, to offer accredited training and practical services to students and patients.

This health project allows children suffering from heart disease to have surgery abroad and receive the treatment they need. They can also see the future in a positive light, resume a normal life and glimpse a brighter future.

This health project made it possible for children suffering from heart disease to undergo surgery abroad and receive the treatment they needed. They are given hope now to enjoy life and envision a brighter future.

Project Objectives

The Project “Saving Lives” has set forth the following objectives:

1. Ensure that patients receive adequate and specialized care.

Very young children with serious heart problems do not have the possibility to access appropriate and urgent care because their parents cannot afford the cost.

South Korea is one of the very few countries that has put its facilities and medical personnel at the disposal of third world countries. They have the best accredited specialists in the field of cardiovascular diseases throughout the world.

2. Train and Educate medical students and health professionals in Haiti

This training Program aims at establishing a sound educational infrastructure for the benefit of Health professionals in the country.

3. Establish in Haiti a local independent Heart Center, empowered to welcome and provide patients with the care they needed.

Activities / Achievements

In 2012, the Program financed eight (8) infant surgeries in South Korea, in reputable hospitals/health facilities.
In 2013, ten (10) children underwent surgery at Samsung Medical Center and at Yonsei Severance Hospital.
In 2014, fourteen (14) children had surgery and thirteen (13) in 2015.
In addition to medical care, patients are accommodated along with their guardians and receive gifts in kind when leaving to return home.

DFI is very satisfied with the partnerships entered into with various institutions and bodies, within this program.

Conferences and seminars have been organized for the benefit of local doctors in Haiti. Speakers came from North America.

These training sessions took place in 2016 and 2017 and gave rise to various exchanges between local Doctors and specialists from other countries.

Project Impact

This project has had a tremendous impact on changing the lives of many children who were suffering from serious health issues. It also proved to be very beneficial to local health professionals in the country through enhanced training and education.