Joy and Hope of Haiti

Welcome to the Joy and Hope of Haiti Website

Birthing Kit Project

According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), 1 in every 17 women die each year from complications due to childbirth in Haiti. For every 100,000 births, between 500 and 1000 will result in death, putting Haiti as having one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. Factors attributing to this high rate have been linked to inadequate access to health care facilities, high birth rates, early age pregnancy, malaria, tuberculosis and lack of skilled birth attendants. It is estimated that 60 percent of all deliveries are unattended in Haiti. Unsafe delivery procedures caused by using unclean instruments have resulted in high rates of infection after birth for both the mother and the child. On average, mothers have eight children or more and in many cases, when a mother passes away as a consequence of improper maternal care, she leaves the rest of the family without any support.

The Joy and Hope of Haiti has determined that due to the limited medical facilities in Haiti, pregnant mothers could use our help. We have joined ranks with Hospital Albert Schweitzer and International Child Care in this endeavour.

We sent 40,000 'birthing kits' in 2003/04 and plan to send 50,000 in 2004/05 for use by Traditional Birthing Attendants working in Haiti. It is a simple concept recommended by medical practitioners who have visited the hospitals in Haiti, and something that members of our community can easily assemble in advance.

What is a Birthing Kit?

A compilation of basic tools to increase sanitation. A "Birthing Kit" includes: 1 clean razor blade; 2 pieces of string; gauze pads; a paper birthing mat; disposable gloves; soap; and a belly band.

How can I help?

Contribute time, provide donations and/or supplies. Have a birthing kit party.

We would appreciate tremendously your involvement in this project in partnership with us. Therefore, we request a donation of the kit essentials, in as large a volume as possible, and hope that you or your business can lend us a hand.

In addition, we are seeking volunteers to help assemble the birthing kits. We have designed a 'hostess kit' to help you organize an event with friends to assemble 500 birthing kits. This should take only 2 hours. An afternoon/evening of fun and charity!

For more information please contact:
Lea Jefferson - leajefferson@hotmail.com
Cathy Johnson - cathyjohnson95@gmail.com


	Welcome to the Joy and Hope of Haiti Website

Home Who We Are Background Our History Future Vision Community Connections Projects 2000 2002 2003 2004 Fougerole Orphanage Fundraisers Charity Auction Road2Hope Watch a short video of 2009 Road2Hope Event 100 Holes For Haiti Help A Child Orphanage Sponsorship Birthing Kits H.E.A.R.T.S Healthy Smiles for Haiti Work Trips Our Stories Why Stories Esther's Story Georgina's Story Fred's Story Russell's Story As told to the Beacon Magazine Action Magazine Story Heart to Help (The Journal, Spectator) Another World (Spectator) Building a Dream on a Garbage Dump Photo Journal Contact Us Wish List	Birthing Kit Project According to the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), 1 in every 17 women die each year from complications due to childbirth in Haiti. For every 100,000 births, between 500 and 1000 will result in death, putting Haiti as having one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the world. Factors attributing to this high rate have been linked to inadequate access to health care facilities, high birth rates, early age pregnancy, malaria, tuberculosis and lack of skilled birth attendants. It is estimated that 60 percent of all deliveries are unattended in Haiti. Unsafe delivery procedures caused by using unclean instruments have resulted in high rates of infection after birth for both the mother and the child. On average, mothers have eight children or more and in many cases, when a mother passes away as a consequence of improper maternal care, she leaves the rest of the family without any support. The Joy and Hope of Haiti has determined that due to the limited medical facilities in Haiti, pregnant mothers could use our help. We have joined ranks with Hospital Albert Schweitzer and International Child Care in this endeavour. We sent 40,000 'birthing kits' in 2003/04 and plan to send 50,000 in 2004/05 for use by Traditional Birthing Attendants working in Haiti. It is a simple concept recommended by medical practitioners who have visited the hospitals in Haiti, and something that members of our community can easily assemble in advance. What is a Birthing Kit? A compilation of basic tools to increase sanitation. A "Birthing Kit" includes: 1 clean razor blade; 2 pieces of string; gauze pads; a paper birthing mat; disposable gloves; soap; and a belly band. How can I help? Contribute time, provide donations and/or supplies. Have a birthing kit party. We would appreciate tremendously your involvement in this project in partnership with us. Therefore, we request a donation of the kit essentials, in as large a volume as possible, and hope that you or your business can lend us a hand. In addition, we are seeking volunteers to help assemble the birthing kits. We have designed a 'hostess kit' to help you organize an event with friends to assemble 500 birthing kits. This should take only 2 hours. An afternoon/evening of fun and charity! For more information please contact: Lea Jefferson - leajefferson@hotmail.com Cathy Johnson - cathyjohnson95@gmail.com
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