Asthma is a major noncommunicable disease and is the most common chronic disease among children, affecting hundreds of millions of people annually (World Health Organization). Although asthma can be a serious condition, it can be easily managed with the right treatment. But for some, treatment isn’t always accessible.
71-year-old Les Cayes resident, Dieuveille Marie Francoise, has had asthma since she was a young girl.
“I often went to the doctor [for treatment], but I didn’t always have the money for medicine,” said Dieuveille.
After years of managing her symptoms only when she could afford medication, Dieuveille met a member of the Hope for Haiti team, who told her about the Infirmary St. Etienne (ISE), Hope for Haiti’s clinic that provides free medication, vaccinations, and more.
“I have been coming to the ISE since 2015,” said Dieuveille during a recent visit to the infirmary. During her appointment, Dieuveille received the same asthma medication she has been taking, Prednisone, at no cost to her.
“Since I have been following up with ISE, I have found great relief from my illness, which makes me very happy,” said Dieuveille. “I want to thank [Hope for Haiti] for the good medicine [it makes] available to help people in the community. I know I won’t be cured of my illness, but I hope I can always get medicines that help me find relief.”
You can help patients like Dieuveille get the medication they need by supporting our Healthcare program today. Thanks to our generous supporters and our Infirmary St. Etienne team, more than 100,000 patients receive care at our clinic and mobile clinics annually.
