Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and is ranked 158th of 190 countries on the Human Development Index.
On 12 January 2010, an earthquake hit the capital and surroundings areas in Haiti. An estimated three million people were affected by the quake the Haitian Government reported that an estimated 230,000 people had died, 300,000 had been injured and 1,000,000 made homeless. The earthquake caused major damage to Port-au-Prince, Jacmel and other settlements in the region. Deficient sanitation systems, poor nutrition, and inadequate health services have pushed Haiti to the bottom of the World Bank’s rankings of health indicators. According to the United Nations World Food Program, 80 percent of Haiti’s population lives below the poverty line. Consequently, malnutrition is a significant problem. Half the population can be categorized as food insecure, and half of all Haitian children are undersized as a result of malnutrition. Less than half the population has access to clean drinking water, a rate that compares poorly even with other less-developed nations. Haiti’s healthy life expectancy at birth is only 44 years. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that only 43 percent of the target population receives the recommended immunizations. In terms of health care spending, Haiti ranks last in the western hemisphere. Economic instability has limited any growth in this area. Per capita, Haiti spends about US$83 annually on health care. There are 25 physicians and 11 nurses per 100,000 populations. Only one-fourth of births are attended by a skilled health professional. Most rural areas have no access to health care, making residents susceptible to otherwise treatable diseases. The health system has been in a desolate condition prior the earthquake and now it is even worse. The health facilities are in very bad condition, having outdated, non-functional or no adequate equipment at all and presently only 60% of the population have access to health services. Maternity Hospital Carrefour is Located at 382, Route de Carrefour. In a population of more than 400,000 people this is the only Public Maternity Hospital where more than 600 deliveries are conducted each month. The hospital has 36 beds. There is no Ambulance service and the Neonatal Unit is working without doctor and few untrained Nurses. The facility provides obstetric and gynecological health services including respective surgery. An OT is available. Doctors are not available during night, weekend & Holidays. This hospital needs great support especially if Neonatal Unit is not supported the outcome for the 6oo deliveries will be at great risk and Neonatal Mortality rate will shoot high. International Maternal & Child Health Foundation Canada have a three years plan during which a sustainable project to be implemented to improve the services of the Hospital by capacity building, training the staffs in Resuscitation and Newborn care. This target will be achieved with the help of Hospital Staffs, Community Volunteers, Donors, Partners & other humanitarian Organizations. IMCHF Canada at Maternity Hospital Carrefour, Haiti. 
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