Insights from Hospital Life

After more than two weeks of severe abdominal pain, fever, and diarrhea, 12-year-old Guerline* is admitted to HAS. But for her family, the medical emergency is only part of the challenge: they face two major obstacles. First, they have no idea how they will afford the treatment. Second, the long journey to the hospital must be made partly on foot. To help families in situations like this, SPHASH established a social services unit many years ago.

Upon admission, Chief Surgeon Dr. David Renelus diagnoses Guerline with peritonitis caused by a perforation of the small intestine. Lab tests confirm a severe typhoid infection as the underlying cause.

She is rushed into surgery, receives life-saving care, and later, after full recovery, the temporary colostomy can be reversed.

Unfortunately, typhoid fever remains a recurring health threat in the Artibonite Valley. Without timely access to medical treatment, the disease can cause immense suffering or even lead to death, as in Guerline’s case. One of the most effective ways to prevent typhoid is access to clean drinking water. That’s why, from the very beginning, hospital founder Dr. Mellon made the development of clean water sources a top priority. To this day, the local population continues to receive education on hygiene and safe water practices.

*Name changed

27.08.2024