At 68, Mérilan Dophane, from Lascahobas, is a man shaped by hard work and hardship. Married with nine children, one of whom lives with a disability, he has long farmed and raised livestock to support his family. “Nou tap viv byen, lavi an pat di konsa”, he confides.
In 2018, the sudden loss of his wife plunged him into deep solitude. His health deteriorated, worries piled up and the future became increasingly uncertain.
It was at this point that Zanmi Lasante entered his journey. Taken into care at the Lascahobas Health Center, he benefits from regular medical monitoring and attentive listening. But it’s with the arrival of the IDB and FAES-funded project, aimed at boosting food security and supporting vulnerable families, that a new lease of life is felt.
Mérilan signed up, followed the procedures, and began receiving food products as well as financial aid. This support enables her to regain her strength and maintain a minimum of stability for her children. “Mwen paka ba w manti… mwen kontan anpil anpil pou èd sa yo ban mwen an. Gen de lè mwen pa gen espwa ditou, epi yo rele m pou ban mwen manje. Pou mwen se yon delivrans”, he testifies with a sincere smile.
Behind this transformation lies the daily work of a dedicated team: social worker Mr. Etzer, his assistant, the center’s nurses and doctors. Their accompaniment is not limited to medical care. They restore his confidence, dignity and the certainty that he is not alone.
Today, Merilan still lives with his wounds, but he moves forward with new strength. Thanks to the alliance between concrete support like that from IDB and FAES and the steadfast commitment of Zanmi Lasante, he knows that even in the darkest moments, solidarity and compassion can open a light.
Mérilan’s story shows how medical, social and food support can transform a life marked by hardship. At Zanmi Lasante, we do this work every day. Help us keep going, donate today.