Download Medical Mission in Aquin, Haïti

Medical Mission in Aquin, Haïti
medications, reading glasses as well as some
toys for the children.
On February 17, 2012 I was invited by Healing
for Haiti to lead a medical mission to the town
of Aquin as part of its philanthropic activities in
Haïti. I was the sole physician of the group
assisted by two nurses, one pharmacist, one
occupational therapist and several other
support personnel.
Aquin is a small town located in a mountainous
area about 90 miles south west of Port-auPrince. The medical mission comprised 2 days of
work during which a total of 330 patients were
seen and medicated.
Medical problems
Most patients were middle-aged, but the age
spectrum was 18 to 106 years. Many appeared
much older that their stated age. The 106 yearold patient surprisingly ambulated without
assistance, she had mild dementia and
hypertension.
The vast majority of patients had hypertension.
The highest registered blood pressure was
266/164 mm of Hg; in any US hospital this
patient would have been immediately admitted
for aggressive medical management. Another
The first clinic was held at Jonc-Dodin in the
patient was seen shortly after a stroke with
outskirts of Aquin. We started at 6:30AM and
similar numbers. Many youngsters had
155 patients were seen. Many children also
unexpectedly high blood pressures as well.
came, but the team was not prepared nor
Several of the hypertensive patients
equipped for pediatric patients. The crowd was
complained of headache and dizziness, but the
patient and some quietly waited hours for their
team did not note many cases of congestive
turn to be seen. The second clinic day was held
heart failure; perhaps they were too ill to come
at Ligneau, a village located on top of a
to the clinic.
mountain which the team climbed on foot
assisted by the locals to carry the supplies and
equipment. The mountain top offered
picturesque views of the Bay of Aquin and
surroundings.
A comprehensive review of systems and a set of
vital signs were recorded for each patient.
Blood glucose was assessed for high risk
individuals. We had a good supply of
Blood glucose checks revealed very few cases of
hyperglycemia, so that our supply of diabetes
medication was almost untouched.
The majority of patients presented with
epigastric pain and reflux symptoms. We
almost ran out of acid lowering drugs despite a
large supply of Ranitidine and proton pump
inhibitors. No case of constipation was
the NSAIDS in view of the frequent dyspepsia
reported.
symptoms. Topical products such as antifungal
A lot of patients especially the older ones
complained of vision and other ocular
problems. Many reading glasses were given out
to the great enthusiasm of the patients in view
of their high prices in the local market.
cream, hydrocortisone cream should not be
neglected. Also, a good supply of Fluconazole
tablets, as well as other antibiotics such as
Ciprofloxacin, Metronidazole, Doxycycline,
Ivermectin etc. should be considered.
Unfortunately, several of the ophthalmologic
Diabetes and asthma did not appear very
complaints could not be addressed.
prevalent in this population.
There were also numerous cases of vaginitis
Finally, an ophthalmologist and a pediatrician
and arthritis and a few findings of scabies.
would be great assets in those trips.
Many complained of daily evening fevers often
associated with a past diagnosis of malaria. A
sizable number of people, especially men,
complained of 'tay fè mal' or lower back pain
attributed to hard labor and poor lifting
techniques.
Latest statistics have revealed that over 70% of
the Haitian intelligentsia has settled overseas.
Haitian professionals living abroad need to keep
in mind that their homeland needs them more
than ever. The skills acquired abroad could
make a significant impact at home.
Suggestions
Hypertension, peptic ulcer disease and ocular
diseases seem to have been the most prevalent
findings in the population we attended to. For
the health care provider heading to a
countryside town such as Aquin, a
preparedness to handle a large volume of
severely hypertensive patients is advised. A
good supply of histamine blockers (such as
Ranitidine) or proton pump inhibitors (such as
Omeprazole etc.) for the ubiquitous stomach
issues is a must. For the complaints of low back
pain, education on proper body mechanics and
acetaminophen could be a better alternative to
Hervé Boucard, MD. February 2012