In Haiti, there was a troubling time when many dogs become infected with rabies and were biting people, putting lives at risk. Those bitten need immediate vaccination to prevent the onset of the disease, but accessing these vaccines can be a challenge. In our locality, rabies vaccines are not available, forcing victims to seek treatment at certain public hospitals. However, as the country’s situation worsens, these hospitals may not have the vaccine in stock, or they may be in areas that are too dangerous to reach. This forces families to seek private hospitals that have the vaccine, often at a high cost.

Last year, we faced a similar crisis when a nine-year-old girl named Dalucia was bitten by a rabid dog. Her terrified parents brought her to our clinic, but we could only offer first aid. Thanks to our collaboration with the MSPP in Haiti, we managed to secure the vaccine, despite numerous challenges. Our partner, after contacting several health authorities, had to navigate through roadblocks and spend a night in in a far away town to obtain the vaccine. His determination ensured that Dalucia received the vaccine in time, and thankfully, she experienced no side effects. This vaccine also protected other victims in the area, and our collaboration with the MSPP even led to a dog vaccination campaign that reduced the number of rabies cases.

The story of Dalucia underscores the importance of timely access to vaccines and the crucial role of collaboration in overcoming obstacles in healthcare. Thanks to the collective efforts, many lives were saved, and families, like Dalucia’s, are grateful for the help they received.