Healthy Pregnancy Initiative

Maternal healthcare in Fond Doux, Haiti

Intervention and prevention are vital in healthcare arenas. In late 2015, Kimberly Bui came up with a simple way to make an impact on the health of a segment of the population in Haiti. The Healthy Pregnancy Initiative was born to realize the dreams of future nurses in Fond Doux and the many mothers who wish for safe pregnancies.

We immediately created an education curriculum and incentive program that would be totally free to expectant mothers, only requiring their participation. During the weekly sessions, we give exams of mom and fetus, prenatal vitamins, and nutritional support. Our holistic approach engages moms physically, spiritually, and mentally.

For years, the weekly clinic was located in a housing room that we cleaned for every meeting. In 2023, we were able to form a partnership with the local clinic in the village, which means a stable location and broader visibility so that more women are aware of the program.

History

Haiti continues to have the highest rates of maternal and infant mortality in the Western Hemisphere. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicates that in 2016, only 39 percent of births in Haiti took place in healthcare facilities. There are issues of quality and lack of access, especially during the recent years of increased gang violence, physical displacement, and fear of traveling even short distances. Many women give birth at home without a skilled birth attendant. Without regular care, many suffer from treatable complications such as severe bleeding, eclampsia, sepsis, obstructed labor, and unsafe abortion.

Maternal healthcare

The Stats

The Healthy Pregnancy Initiative serves women throughout the region. Ladies take public transportation (taptaps) from villages to the east and west of Fond Doux or walk miles down the mountainside to reach consistent care. Clients come for pregnancy tests, checkups, education sessions, and to introduce their babies after birth.

Additionally, the HPI is creating reliable jobs and collaborative training for healthcare workers.

*In keeping with the categorization of neonatal mortality (within 28 days after birth or stillbirth).

Since December 2015:

256 clients served

191 Healthy births

13 Deaths*

thru August 2024

health worker interview

Health Worker Olivine describes the Healthy Pregnancy Initiative and it's impact on her life and the community.

Through the “Healthy Pregnancy Initiative” you can make a difference in the lives of mothers and babies! For $216*, you can sponsor a mother through the duration of her pregnancy. This includes pay to workers and cost of supplies.