Fighting the Zika Virus in Haiti
Posted on Apr 4, 2016
Zika cases have been reported in dozens of countries so far, including Haiti, where Partners In Health has thousands of staff and serves thousands of patients every day.
A small percentage of people infected with the virus experience fever, headache, joint and muscle pain, or red eyes. There are also reports of Zika-associated Guillain-Barré syndrome, a serious neurological complication.
But far more worrisome is that it appears Zika can be transmitted from a pregnant woman to her unborn fetus. About 32,000 pregnant women visit our clinics each year, which means that as many as 32,000 women and their newborns are at risk of infection. We anticipate a rapid increase in the number of Zika cases in the coming months.
We’re working with Haiti’s Ministry of Public Health and Population and several international organizations to address this increase by focusing on six areas of work:
Mobilizing communities. Our 3,500 community health workers are spreading information about the virus and encouraging women of childbearing age to use family planning during this period of rapid transmission. They’re also urging pregnant women to visit their local health facilities for prenatal care, to get a Zika test if they’re symptomatic, and to receive a Zika prevention packet, which includes a three-month supply of DEET, a bed net, and condoms to protect against the sexual transmission of the virus.
Preventing mother-to-child transmission. We’re ensuring that mothers who show symptoms of Zika get the prenatal care and support they need to deliver their babies safely, and that any baby born with the effects of Zika is properly cared for.
Prevention supplies. In addition to providing Zika prevention packets, our community health workers are encouraging the use of insecticides and the creation of “mosquito brigades” to eliminate standing water around homes and work areas.
Care for the sick. We’re providing critical care for those who have developed complications after a Zika infection—including Guillain-Barré syndrome—and establishing a case registry to ensure they receive ongoing help.
Staff safety. We’re working to eliminate spots around our facilities where mosquitoes can breed and live, ensuring that all of our clinics and hospitals have window screens, and providing staff members with insecticide and mosquito repellant.
Research. We’re collaborating with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on a study of Zika-positive pregnant women to better understand how the virus affects their infants.
Your gift today sets this plan into action—and protects mothers and babies who are too poor to afford care. Please give today. Every penny saves lives.
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To learn more:
Read about Zika’s origins from Dr. Joia Mukherjee, PIH’s chief medical officer.
