About Haiti’s Health Dilemma

The approximate population of Haiti is 8 million people; and the WHO estimates the incidence of diabetes in Haiti to be 2-8% of the population. This number is probably more towards 8% due to the fact that 99% of the Haitian population is black, and it is well documented that the incidence of diabetes is higher in the black population. Using a rate of 5%, the approximate diabetic population in Haiti is 400,000. This would mean the rate of diabetic foot ulcers would be 60,000 cases. Using a range of 15%-20% for the amputation rate, approximately 9,000-12,000 Haitians undergo an amputation. Of this group 4,500-6,000 would die within 5 years. Approximately 500 patients actually die in surgery at the time of their amputation.These numbers are tragically shocking and steps must be implemented to prevent and treat diabetic foot ulcers in Haiti, which would subsequently decrease the LEA and their associated risks and complications.

There are approximately 16 million diabetics in the US according to the NID, with 15% of those   patients developing a diabetic foot ulcer.

The approximate population of Haiti is 8 million people; and the WHO estimates the incidence of diabetes in Haiti to be 2-8% of the population.

I propose to establish a wound care center in Port-au-Prince to start with, followed by subsequent satellite clinics at larger cities throughout the country.