Silent Crisis
February 19, 2025
Haiti is currently facing political and economic turmoil, but amid the chaos, one often-overlooked crisis is affecting some of the most vulnerable—people with disabilities. According
Our vision is to deliver quality, sustainable physical medicine and rehabilitation education, training, and care for the people of Haiti.
Haiti is currently facing political and economic turmoil, but amid the chaos, one often-overlooked crisis is affecting some of the most vulnerable—people with disabilities. According
Welcome to the Healing Hands for Haiti Blog! Haiti is a country of resilience, strength, and community. Yet, for many living with disabilities, everyday life
Haiti is home to a beautiful landscape, people, and culture. We are honored to serve Haitians as our mission. If you plan to visit, use the helpful links below.
Healing Hands for Haiti has developed several information resources for patients, caregivers, and health care professionals that are easily accessible for all involved with spinal cord injuries. Refer to the list below and download any document you feel will help manage your needs.
Haiti SCI Database information – English and French
Haiti SCI Database information form
HHH Intermittent Catheter program sheet
HHH Klinik SCI Nurse Assessment Form
HHH Log Roll Leaflet – Keep the Spine Straight – French
HHH Nursing Care Plan – paraplegic patient – French
HHH Transfer Skills – from wheelchair to bed with a transfer board – French & Creole
HHH Wound Assessment Form – French
HHH Wound care at home – how to make a normal saline – French
Pressure ulcer risk assessment (Waterlow Tool)
Transforming SCI patient care in Haiti – simple bladder care Pt.1
Transforming SCI patient care in Haiti – simple bladder care Pt.2
The World Health Organization (WHO) constitution states:
“The enjoyment of the highest attainable standard of health is one of the fundamental rights of every human being without distinction of race, religion, political belief, economic or social condition.”
There are 600 million people in the world living with a disability. 80%, most of whom are children, live in the developing world. In a country where a family may live on one dollar a day, people rely on their physical abilities to survive. A disability can literally mean death if one cannot grow crops, raise animals, or carry water. Persons with disability are typically among the very poorest. They experience poverty more intensely and have fewer opportunities to escape poverty than non-disabled people.
Factors contributing to poverty are intricately linked to disability. Persons with disabilities typically lack access to health and education, clean water, and sanitation, have poor housing, and may live in overcrowded, unsanitary, and unsafe areas.
The World Health Organization estimates that only 2% of people with disabilities in developing countries have access to rehabilitation and appropriate basic services. What services are available currently do not meet the needs. As a result, over 20 million people in the world need a wheelchair and do not have one. It has been reported that 98% of children with a disability in the developing world do not get to go to school, and the death rates for a child with a disability reach as high as 80%.
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