Partnering in the Fight Against Diabetes in Haiti

In recognition of World Diabetes Day, AmeriCares supported FHADIMAC’s public campaign in Haiti to screen 1,000 patients and raise awareness about diabetes and hypertension.For the fourth year in a row, AmeriCares Haiti team has supported the Fondation Hatienne de Diabete et de Maladies Cardio/Vasculaires (FHADIMAC) in improving health outcomes for diabetes and cardiovascular patients across Haiti. This year, FHADIMAC conducted a screening event —a crucial step in preventing and fighting diabetes—in recognition of World Diabetes Day.On November 10, in Place Boyer, a large and popular park in Port-au-Prince, our Haiti team supported FHADIMAC in hosting a public campaign to raise awareness about diabetes and cardiovascular disease. At this event, FHADIMAC screened more than 1,000 people for diabetes and hypertension. FHADIMAC is the only organization working in diabetes and cardiovascular care nationally in Haiti. Two AmeriCares Haiti physicians were present to assist with screenings at the event.Treatment, training, screening and education helps thousands of diabetes patients.“We are excited to continue our partnership with FHADIMAC, to raise awareness of the burden of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in Haiti and to provide screening – an essential first step in fighting disease,” said Julie Hard, AmeriCares Haiti country director.In Haiti, an estimated 7% of the population lives with diabetes and 45% have high blood pressure. Early diagnosis can help to save lives, and long-term commitment to the partnership will contribute to improving access to health car for Haitians in the fight against diabetes and cardiovascular disease.On World Diabetes Day and every day, AmeriCares is committed to improving health outcomes for diabetes patients worldwide. In 2013, AmeriCares provided $29.6 million in medicines to control diabetes to partners in 51 countries, including enough medicines to fill nearly 645,000 prescriptions. Within Haiti, AmeriCares delivered $196,000 worth of anti-diabetic medicines. Read MoreDonate Now