A year ago, operations at the Hôpital Universitaire de Mirebalais were halted.
This decision marked a turning point for Zanmi Lasante and for the healthcare system in Haiti. The hospital represented a referral center, a training ground for healthcare professionals and an essential access point to specialized care for thousands of patients.
The impact was immediate. Clinical services were reorganized. Teams were redeployed. Patients requiring regular follow-up care were referred to other structures in the network. In just a few days, the organization of care moved from a centralized model to a distributed operation.
In Plateau-Central and Bas-Artibonite, hospitals and health centers absorbed this reorganization. Reception capacities have been adjusted. Teams have broadened their scope of intervention. Community health workers stepped up follow-up to maintain the link between patients and services.
This adaptation relied on rapid decisions and ongoing coordination. It also added to the workload of the teams, who were already facing major constraints. Many professionals had to change site, function or work rhythm without transition.
Some were unable to continue under the same conditions. These changes had human and professional consequences that remain present.
A year later, care continues.
Patients are cared for through the network. Chronic disease programs provide follow-up. Maternal and child health services operate at several sites. Community activities maintain a constant link with patients.
This continuity is based on coordinated organization. It relies on the daily work of clinical teams, nurses, community health workers, logisticians and administrative teams.
It also relies on a model structured around a network of connected sites, capable of providing care to common standards.
The interruption of services in Mirebalais has reduced the capacity of the health system nationwide. Maintaining and expanding access to care requires sustained investment, particularly in infrastructure, human resources and coordination systems.
Today, Zanmi Lasante continues to strengthen its network. The aim is to maintain continuity of care, support healthcare teams and prepare the next steps for Mirebalais when conditions allow.
What has been achieved over the past year is based on daily, organized and coordinated work carried out by committed teams across the country.
It is based on teams ensuring patient care in structures where care is available today.
Wesler Lambert MD, MPH
Executive Director