Current Programs in Haiti 

AME-SADA has established a network of rural and urban out patient clinics in the regions of Arcahaie and Cabaret as well as in Port au Prince. These outpatient clinics are the sites where AME-SADA's clinical personnel, health agents and traditional birth attendants are based administratively. The services provided by the clinics include an expanded program of immunization of children under 5 years of age against diseases; pre and post natal health care for women of reproductive age, family planning services and counseling; nutritional recuperation for severely malnourished children including micro-nutrient supplements; HIV/AIDS and STD education, prevention, counseling and testing. In addition to three Medical Doctors who oversee all clinics, each clinic has a staff of at least two nurses and a nurse's aide, access to a laboratory technician, a pharmacist, 20-40 health agents and traditional birth attendants.

Many of the health issues faced by the Haitian population can be ameliorated through changes in behavior. AME-SADA recognizes that an essential element to changing behavior is to apply a variety of techniques to make the general population aware of health risks. Special focus has, therefore, been given to children, young adults and women in the communities served. In 2004, AME-SADA organized numerous village workshops to address the prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, the importance of breast feeding, and the promotion of family planning. AME-SADA has commenced preventive care activities in the area of HIV/AIDS with youth retreats and follow-up sessions with youth clubs. In addition to promoting HIV/AIDS awareness, our clinics test individuals and provide counseling for those who are infected and affected by the deadly disease.

AME-SADA is a member of the Safe Drinking Water Alliance which promotes point of use water treatment as a means to reduce the incidence of diarrhea-related mortality and morbidity in different parts of the world. As part of the program in Haiti, a community mobilization component is being implemented to encourage community dialogue and collective action around safe water and water treatment. AME-SADA is leading the implementation of this component. A major activity of this component includes community and household monitoring of water treatment behaviors and practices.

Since February, 2004, Haiti has experienced periods of extreme unrest and instability. Although all of AME-SADA's facilities have continued to operate during this time, there has been a significant diminution in the level and intensity of activities because of this uncertain political environment. Despite this situation, in the last four years of this project, AME-SADA has met or exceeded all of its project goals and objectives and has been among the top 3 performers among the 25 USAID health subcontractors in Haiti.