Since January 2023, Dr. Wisline Louibain has led the HIV/TB program at the Centre Médical Dumarsais Estimé (CMDE) in Verrettes with clinical rigor and profound humanity. Her work is not limited to supervising care: she structures clinical pathways, strengthens team capacities, organizes the active search for lost patients and ensures that every person living with HIV (PLHIV) benefits from quality support.
“At a very young age, I understood that access to care often depended on privilege, not need. This observation made me want to become a doctor to fight this injustice.”
It was in Verrettes, in her hometown, that she discovered the harsh reality experienced by many PLWHA. Through her involvement, she has seen how integrated care can transform lives. Through Zanmi Lasante’s program, patients receive not only medical care, but also nutritional, psychosocial and community support, essential to their stabilization.
She particularly remembers the case of Miriam, a 3-year-old girl diagnosed with a severe form of HIV, associated with advanced malnutrition. Thanks to a rapid, coordinated response - antiretroviral therapy, nutritional support, family accompaniment - Miriam’s condition improved day by day. Today, her viral load is undetectable. “These silent transformations are our driving force.”
But this progress is under threat. Funding for HIV/TB programs is falling, while needs are rising. Dr Louibain forcefully reminds us: “We have the teams, the will, the results. What we need is the capacity to continue.”
At Zanmi Lasante, more than 13,000 PLWHA receive free care every year. The program relies on trained community agents, decentralized clinics, innovative strategies such as treatment clubs or multimensal dispensation, and an approach centered on dignity.
To continue screening, treating, accompanying and protecting, every support counts. In a difficult context, maintaining these efforts requires constant resources, committed partners and active international solidarity.
“The road is long, but we can’t go backwards. As long as there are lives to protect, we will be there.”
Thanks to your support, women, men and children like Miriam can live life to the full. Help us continue this vital work. Make a donation. Save a life.