Women's Health - Leogane, Haiti
Cervical Cancer Prevention | Women's Advisory Group | Safe Motherhood Initiative
Since 1993, Family Health Ministries has continued to work in Leogane, Haiti focusing on women's health. Specifically, our research and health care initiatives center on cervical cancer prevention. We will soon expand our efforts with the 'Leogane Family Health Center,' a health center that continues our work fighting cervical cancer in low-resource communities. In 2007, FHM purchased land in Leogane to build the center, a facility designed to enhance our services to women and children in the community.
| Cervical Cancer Prevention |
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For several years now, we have been collaborating with local Haitian physicians, OB/GYN and other medical professionals in the Leogane community. We continue to screen women for the human papilloma virus (HPV) that is the primary cause of cervical cancer, which is a curable disease in countries with more resources. However, if left untreated, the consequences are devastating for the women and their families. Click here for more.
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| Women's Advisory Group |
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Members of the women's advisory group who coach FHM on the community's needs suffered mightily in the January 12th, 2010 earthquake - their leader lost her life in the disaster, and many of the women's homes were badly damaged or destroyed.
The women met to divide funds based on each member's needs, and distributed checks for repair and restoration. The relief funds were provided by Family Health Ministries' generous donors.
The women's group is also advising on a PTSD program and coaching US participants in the Safe Motherhood program.
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| Safe Motherhood Initiative |
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Summer 2010 marked the beginning of a sought-after program to improve the prognosis for mothers and their newborns in Leogane.
The project is being led by midwife and Duke University graduate student Marnie Cooper-Priest and assisted by Duke Medical student Katherine Weigert, and under the direction of FHM Director of Research Nicole Tinfo.
Dr. Elizabeth Livingston of Duke University is collaborating with FHM's Board of Directors Chairman David Walmer on the project. More information on the initiative is available here.
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