Homeopathy in Action: Hope and Healing in Haiti

By Holly Manoogian, CCH, HWB Executive Director

This September, Homeopaths Without Borders reported that the Association Des Homéopathes Haïtiens (AHH) delivered homeopathic medicine and education to 40,832 individuals at 24 clinic days in displacement camp shelters to manage cholera outbreaks during the previous six months. The team also successfully provided care for 600 individuals, ranging in age from 2 months to 83 years, who were suffering from cholera symptoms. Their achievement is truly extraordinary, considering the makeshift cholera quarantine rooms, with individuals often lying on the floor, limited supplies, and the hot, humid environment. Their weekly reports consistently indicate that there have been no cholera-related deaths in any of the displacement camps once they treated those in need on site.

One of the thousands of patients receiving homeopathic treatments since the clinics launched in April.

The humanitarian crises in Haiti continue to cause unjustifiable harm to so many individuals. Famine is spreading as gang violence continues to gain greater control over Port-au-Prince (90 percent). Despite this, members of AHH continue to show up regularly at a state-identified displacement camp in need of an intervention to help stop the spread of cholera. At their clinics, a dedicated team of 5–8 professionals educates residents (2,000–3,000) on safe hygiene practices, administers homeopathic medicine, and tends to patients with cholera symptoms. They also efficiently record patient data for ongoing care.

“My country’s healthcare system has collapsed,” says Dr. Phadael of AHH. “If it weren’t for HWB supporting AHH clinics, many, many people would have died of cholera.”

The sadness, anger, fear and despair in the residents’ eyes can be overwhelming. Regularly, the sounds of gunshots and sometimes stray bullets are nearby. They have endured these conditions for months, without any assistance from the state. Sadly, they are not safe. AHH Clinics are now also staffed by a female practitioner who is specifically available to young women/girls who have experienced sexual abuse/sexual assault. They also provide care for residents who have received gunshot and knife wounds and other injuries from the violence on the streets.

“My patients respond very well to homeopathic medicines. Their testimonies have clearly proven it to me,” says Dr. Linda. “Many of them no longer have nightmares. Some do not suffer from insomnia and many of them are starting to socialize again.”

Residents line up to receive their remedy dose in groups of 100 people.

As the weeks pass, the team’s awareness of the unsupported psychological and emotional traumas for residents grows heavier in their hearts. Undoubtedly, with additional resources the team would be able to provide care to a greater number of individuals. The clinicians from AHH serve as a beacon of hope for so many who have sought refuge in these camps. Israel Joseph, NP, AHH Clinical Director, is reassured that he is in the right place when he returns to a clinic site and the residents express their delight in his return.

Please consider making a donation today at https://www.hwbna.org/donate.html. Your generosity will help save lives and transform the future for those who need it most. For more information or to get involved contact Holly Manoogian, CCH, HWB Executive Director by email at holly@hwbna.org.