In all of 2023 we had a total of 812 patient visits at the clinic. The clinic was open 2 days a week. We averaged about 8 patients per day. During the last three months we have had over 800 patient visits. There are several factors for the dramatic increase. During the second quarter there was an outbreak of a fever, now somewhat contained, running through the community, and an expanded publicity program. Further, in April of this year, we expanded the number of days the clinic is open from two days a week to four days and added a physician. However, the increase in the days that the clinic is open is not the main reason for the increase in numbers. The increase is in large part due to the nutrition program for pre-school children.  On nutrition days the number of patients explodes when mothers bring their preschool children for check-ups and to receive their nutritional supplements.

Haiti has had a problem of food vulnerability for many years, but the gang activity of the last few years has greatly exacerbated the problem by cutting off economic activity primarily by stifling transportation including transportation of food.  We are glad the clinic has been there to respond to the nutritional challenge of children in the community. Of course, the increase in numbers also brings a financial challenge to the Foundation because it also increases the cost of running the clinic. Most of the people that we serve cannot afford to pay for their medical care. We thank the donors that have made the clinic possible with their repeated gifts.

The board of the Found Doux Foundation has authorized a trial position for Dr. Dieuseul Istache to become a resident physician at the Fond Doux Clinic. It would be for a period of 4 months as we discover whether there are sufficient patients to warrant the clinic being open for three or four days per week with a physician on staff. As of the date of publication , he has not yet signed the contract, but is expected to accept the position.

Dr. Istache grew up in Fond Doux and received his university and medical training on a Fond Doux Foundation scholarship. Since graduating from Royal Universitè d’Haiti in 2023, he has been waiting for assignment from the Department of Health for his required assignment for social work, the last step in becoming a certified MD in Haiti. However, the government of Haiti has not been fully functional and he is in an extended waiting period. He is able to take on a temporary position.