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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