International Day of Persons with Disabilities: Celebrating rehabilitation in Haiti

More than 800,000 people are disabled in Haiti, of whom many are still unable to access the rehabilitation care they need. Handicap International (HI) will mark International Day of Persons with Disabilities on 3 December[1] by engaging the Haitian authorities, including the Ministry of Health, on rehabilitation issues.

“We are holding a press conference[2] to address issues relating to the rehabilitation sector, particularly current challenges and the place of rehabilitation service users. Our aim is to highlight and promote the benefits of rehabilitation for a wider audience.

We will also preview the “REYADAPTASYON, ANN FÈ L MACHE” photo exhibition (by photographer Nadia Todres), which will present the activities supported by HI in hospitals and rehabilitation centres in Port au Prince and Cap Haitien. Haitian star B.I.C., the organisation’s ambassador, will give a concert with his guests G13[3] at the end of the day. More than 250 people are expected to attend the event,” explains Catherine Stubbe, HI’s director in Haiti.

Rehabilitation in Haiti

HI has worked in Haiti since 2008 where its actions include:

• support for the orthoprosthesis training provided by Don Bosco university: 22 orthoprosthetic technicians have been awarded diplomas[4]. 
• training for 30 physiotherapists and 148 rehabilitation technicians.
• investing in continuing education and promoting the creation of a virtual community for all rehabilitation professionals.
• promoting access for the most vulnerable people, including people with disabilities, to quality rehabilitation services. It also provides organisational, technical and other support to health facilities in four departmental hospitals.
• Following the earthquake that hit Haiti on 12 January 2010, HI provided more than 90,000 people with rehabilitation care, orthopaedically fitted more than 1,400 people and distributed 5,600 mobility aids to people with disabilities.