Every year, from November 9 to 15, the global community shines the spotlight on Nurse Practitioners, those professionals who combine advanced training, sound clinical judgment and a constant presence with patients. In Haiti, this role takes on particular significance. In a country where inequalities in access to care persist, rural areas lack doctors, and insecurity undermines essential services, NPs represent an indispensable force for maintaining quality care at community level.
At Zanmi Lasante, around ten NPs work in the most isolated sites of the Plateau Central and Bas Artibonite. Their presence reinforces a fundamental pillar of the ZL model. They assess, diagnose and monitor chronic illnesses, manage routine emergencies, support maternal and pediatric care, and provide a direct link with families. Their contribution is fully in line with ZL’s mission to care for patients, train professionals and strengthen the structure of the healthcare system.
Among them, Ricardo Jackyto Jean perfectly embodies this essential function. After several years at the Mirebalais University Hospital, he now provides care at the Saint Michel de Boucan Carré Health Center. The site is home to a scattered population in hard-to-reach localities, largely dependent on front-line services.
For Ricardo, his role goes beyond the technical. He represents a landmark for families who come seeking care, advice, an explanation or support. He describes his daily routine with lucidity and commitment.
“Being a Nurse Practitioner at Zanmi Lasante is both a great responsibility and a real source of motivation. Every day, I see patients who live far from specialized services. They need reliable care and rapid response. My job is to offer them this continuity, to make informed decisions and to accompany them every step of the way. Even in remote areas, we can ensure quality care. That means a lot to the families.”
For Dr. Choumide Cotière, the center’s medical director, the presence of an IP transforms her team’s ability to respond.
“Ricardo plays a fundamental role in our center. He supports me in almost every activity. Consultations, emergencies, follow-up of chronic cases, coordination with community agents. His contribution improves the balance of the service and strengthens patient confidence.”
This complementarity is at the heart of the integrated model championed by ZL. Shared work between doctors, IPs, nurses, auxiliaries and community workers ensures consistent coverage, even in areas where resources are limited. This reflects the vision of the World Health Organization, which sees Nurse Practitioners as strategic players in achieving Universal Health Coverage. WHO stresses the importance of their advanced training, clinical autonomy and strong institutional support to maximize their impact.
Through sites in Hinche, Cange, Belladère, Boucan Carré, Lascahobas or Mirebalais, the IPs demonstrate that a fairer healthcare system also depends on professionals able to offer comprehensive care close to communities. Their commitment, often discreet, produces tangible results. A child suffering from asthma controlled on time. A mother-to-be accompanied to avoid complications. A hypertensive patient monitored regularly. An emergency stabilized before transfer. It’s these gestures repeated every day that strengthen families’ confidence in the healthcare system.
In celebrating International Nurse Practitioners Week, Zanmi Lasante pays tribute to Ricardo and all the NPs who work in demanding conditions. They represent the future of primary care in Haiti. A future based on competence, proximity and equity.
The work of Nurse Practitioners directly strengthens access to healthcare for the most remote families.By supporting Zanmi Lasante, you strengthen these essential services in rural Haiti.Contribute here.