The Haiti Health Ministry is working with our communities in the elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis, which has been a problem in the country since 2000.

Lymphatic filariasis is a human disease caused by parasitic worms known as filarial worms. Usually acquired in childhood, it is a leading cause of permanent disability worldwide. While most cases have no symptoms, some people develop a syndrome called elephantiasis, which is marked by severe swelling in the arms, legs, breasts, or genitals. The skin may become thicker as well, and the condition may become painful. Affected people are often unable to work and are often shunned or rejected by others because of their disfigurement and disability.

Work to eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis in Haiti began with a massive country-wide campaign in giving two drugs: Albendazole and Diethylcarbamazine. However, Limonade has many areas with people who still need treatment.
The Health Ministry has decided to approach treatment with 3 drugs: Ivermectin, Albendazole and Diethylcarbamazine in Limonade. The State Clinic (where Dr. Myrthil and the Ajan Sante are associated) chose to work together with the Health Ministry in Limonade to educate people and assist in preparing and administering these medications.

We are now in the middle of this campaign, and all our human resources are going into visiting churches, school, villages in and around Limonade (Bwadlans, Bòdmè, Pistè, Chabanon, nan bouk Limonade). Patients with side effects from treatment who require attention are seen at the State Clinic or in other clinics in Limonade.

In September, the focus was on TRAINING OUR HEALTH WORKERS (more than 100), and in October (two weeks) for administering the drugs. We are going in each house to make sure that people are receiving the drugs.
We will wait for one week after the campaign to receive people with side effects and after that to make the mobile clinic.

Once this campaign is complete, we will be ready to focus our efforts and time on the planning and execution of several rural clinics, which are made possible through special donations we have received from Konbit supporters. We will continue to provide updates over the coming weeks.