Maternal Health

This program is designed to provide prenatal and postnatal healthcare to women in the rural and impoverished communities of Grand Riviere and Bahon.  The residents of Grand Riviere and Bahon do not have even basic necessities such as clean safe water or electricity, let alone medical services or sanitary birthing facilities. Sadly, these living conditions are commonplace in Haiti.

Maternal Health Care Project - the answer to a desperate need for pre/postnatal health care in Northern Haiti

Every woman has the right to basic medical treatment. An expectant mother should have the right to a healthy pregnancy-devoid of the fear of death or the loss of her baby. In Haiti, however, this is not the case. In the rural communities of Northern Haiti, ICC', through its Maternal Health Care Project, is addressing the issue of maternal mortality and morbidity and striving to make healthy pregnancies and safe deliveries the norm.

This program is designed to provide prenatal and postnatal healthcare to women in the rural and impoverished communities of Grand Riviere and Bahon.  The residents of Grand Riviere and Bahon do not have even basic necessities such as clean safe water or electricity, let alone medical services or sanitary birthing facilities. Sadly, these living conditions are commonplace in Haiti.  Morever, in light of the earthquake that decimated Port-au-Prince on January 12th, 2010, more families have migrated to the North and as a result the program is offering services to a greater number of women. By addressing many of the essential prenatal and postnatal maternal health related issues; ICC is decreasing the risk of infant and maternal mortality for 70 percent of pregnant women in these communities.  

Improved management of pregnancy and prenatal care through prenatal clinics

Through this program ICC runs 204 prenatal clinics- 96 conducted in institutional settings and 108 through rural health posts. Nurses and traditional birth attendants (TBAs) and other health care personnel, receive training/refresher training curriculums, educational materials and guidelines to help them effectively manage prenatal and postnatal health care.  The early detection and management of pregnancies at risk, enables staff ito better treat women with potential complications and improve the overall pregnancy and birthing outcomes.

Provision of Voluntary Counseling and Testing for HIV/AIDS and other STIS

The project enables at least 80 percent of pregnant women who register for their 1st pre-natal evaluation to receive screening for HIV/AIDS and STIs (Sexually Transmitted Infections). Women, as well as their partners, receive the necessary treatment. Expectant mothers found to be HIV+ are provided with counseling and anti-retroviral treatment to prevent the vertical transmission of HIV to unborn babies. Increased surveillance and treatment also reduces the transmission of HIV to newborns. The educational awareness this project provides increases the community's understanding of HIV/AIDS. Increased awareness helps to shift communal social practices and behaviors relative to HIV/AIDS, STIs, reproductive health and maternity care.

Increased Institutional Births via "Centre d'hebergement"

Seventy-five to 80 percent of Haitian women have traditional "at home" deliveries. In some cases, TBAs may facilitate the birthing process, however, the process remains unsafe. For women living in Northern Haiti, giving birth at a hospital is not an option as it is often several hour's walk away. Many women die as a result of this. With the organization of "centres d'hebergement" (lodging centers) at Grande Riviere and Bahon, at-term and labour imminent women can now opt for staying at these centers where access to transportation to the Grand-Riviere hospital or Bahon Clinic is accessible.  Women with obstetrical emergencies are referred and transported by ambulance to Milot and St. Justinian hospitals where they receive the specialized care they require (e.g. Ceasarian Section).  The reduction of geographical distance between the hospitals and these communities has resulted in an increase in institutional births. We are combating the high maternal mortality rate associated with labour and delivery, and have also seen improved birthing outcomes.

Upgrade and Strengthen Institutional Capacity to Facilitate Quality Care and Safe Deliveries

This program leaves no stone unturned! In accordance with our commitment to improve maternal healthcare as well as maintain and increase healthy birthing outcomes, we are committed to strengthening the capacity and operations of the hospital in Grand Rivere du Nord and clinic in Bahon. The refurbishing of the delivery rooms at these facilities has enabled medical staff and on site community management representatives to provide the best possible quality prenatal care, as well as the ability to facilitate safe institutional deliveries.

We believe that children are a heritage from God and this project is a direct reflection of our conviction.  We are grateful for your support! We truly appreciate you!  We equally relish the commitment of new supporters to help us be Christ's hands outstretched to expectant mothers, babies and their partners in Northern Haiti. With youir help we are making a difference, effecting change that has eternal value. We are grateful to God for your faithfulness and continued support.  Bless you!