Updated December 18, 2020

We are beyond thankful that COVID-19 has not taken a toll on Haiti like many had anticipated. Crowded living quarters, jam-packed public markets, little access to water for washing hands and lack of face masks to prevent the spread of the virus were all factors that were suspected to increase the spread of COVID-19. So far, the death rate has remained low. A recent article in the Miami Herald attempted to answer the question of why. 

Read more: https://www.miamiherald.com/news/nation-world/world/americas/haiti/article247852650.html

Updated September 29, 2020

A quick look at COVID-19 in Haiti:

• 27,705 suspected cases
• 8,723 confirmed positive cases
• 1,908 active cases
• 6,588 recovered
• 227 reported deaths from COVID-19

Updated August 9, 2020

A quick look at COVID-19 in Haiti:

• 19,601 suspected cases
• 7,599 confirmed positive cases
• 2,529 active cases
• 4,893 recovered
• 177 reported deaths from COVID-19

Updated July 24, 2020

Schools are slated to open in Haiti on August 10th! The Haitian Ministry of Education has put health protocol into place to help schools in Haiti open safely. “The resumption of school activities planned by the MENFP for August 10, requires taking into account both, two fundamental parameters: health and education. The first, linked to life, should take precedence over the second, the importance of which remains considerable.”  Two classes that are required to take national exams (grades 9 & 13) will return to school on August 10th. The remaining classes will resume a week later on August 17th. School will run through October 22nd as part of the 2019-2020 school year.

MENFP is recommending social distancing, reduced class sizes, hand-washing, masks and routine cleaning of the classrooms. There are many barriers in the rural villages that make following these parameters more difficult, including access to running water and classroom sizes. Please pray for the administrators and teachers in the WWV supported schools as they make plans to re-open.

A special thanks to all of our sponsors for supporting education in Haiti!  When you sponsor a child, you give hope for a brighter future! There are still many children in need of sponsorship in the rural villages where World Wide Village serves. Meet those children most in need of sponsorship at: worldwidevillage.org/help-one. 

Updated July 10, 2020

A special thanks to everyone who has joined THE CORNERSTONE CLUB or given a one-time gift during this difficult time. It’s only because of your generosity that World Wide Village is able to continue serving the people of Haiti in so many ways.

So far we have reached about 80% of our goal for monthly giving. If you haven’t yet joined THE CORNERSTONE CLUB but have been considering it, now is the perfect time!  We are praying for an additional $460 in monthly giving over the next year. Please be a part of helping God’s work continue in Haiti today!

Updated July 7, 2020

A quick look at COVID-19 in Haiti:

• 13,659 suspected cases
• 6,371 confirmed positive cases
• 4,434 active cases
• 1,824 recovered
• 113 reported deaths from COVID-19

Updated July 7, 2020

Below is a story that paints a picture of how COVID-19 is affecting people in Haiti:

“If I hadn’t come to the hospital, I would probably have died.”

My name is Sid and I am 49 years old. I work as a driver in Port-au-Prince. I had a fever for almost a month before I went to the hospital. My wife and one of my two children also had a fever, but they recovered faster than me. I took traditional medicines made from oak leaves, lilacs and aloe vera to treat myself at home. At first, I didn’t believe I had COVID-19, because I hadn’t been in contact with people from abroad, so I didn’t think I could catch it.

When my condition didn’t improve, a friend told me to call an ambulance to go to the hospital, but I refused. Today, as soon as people see an ambulance pass, they immediately think the person inside has COVID-19. Some people have even been threatened because of this. As time went by, my condition got worse; I was coughing up blood and I couldn’t get up. Finally, I asked a friend if he could drive me to MSF COVID-19 center in his personal vehicle, to avoid creating panic in the neighborhood. If I hadn’t come then, I would probably have died!

In my neighborhood, there are many people who complain of having a fever. They say they would rather die at home than go to the hospital because they are convinced that they will be injected with a deadly vaccine. Since I have been hospitalized, several friends have called me here, to tell me not to accept injections. This rumor related to vaccines is deeply rooted in Haiti. Recently, a man I used to play soccer with was hospitalized with a heart condition. He died two days later and everyone thinks it was because he was injected with a vaccine.

I have been treated here for 14 days now. I feel better and I hope I can go home soon. It is important that people feel confident to come for treatment as soon as they have a fever or breathing difficulties. They should not fear going to the hospital or be stigmatized by those around them.”

Haitian medical professionals and organizations are working hard to overcome the stigmatization of contracting COVID-19 and the distrust of healthcare facilities. “We work day after day to counteract rumors and provide correct and factual information to the public as part of the health promotion team for MSF in Port-au-Prince. If everyone understands how the disease works and is transmitted, it allows everyone to identify the situations most at risk in their daily lives and to take precautions according to their situation. Preventive measures such as wearing a mask, physical distancing, or even hand-washing are very difficult for part of the population in Haiti. They may have to choose between feeding their kids or buying a mask, or they may not have adequate access to water or soap. Physical distancing is very difficult in a neighborhood like Martissant which has one of the highest population densities in the world. Together with the local people, we try to think of alternatives adapted to their living conditions such as collective hand-washing points, for example.”  Nathalie Destiné Charles, Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF)

https://reliefweb.int/report/haiti/haiti-between-denial-and-fears-about-covid-19-health-promotion-front-line

Updated June 28, 2020

Schools remain closed in Haiti due to COVID-19. Plans are being finalized by the Haitian government to re-open schools from August-November to finish the 2019-2020 school year. Because several months of school were missed to due to political protesting in the fall and now COVID-19, the school year will be extended to allow the children to finish their current school year.

A special thank you to all of our student sponsors for continuing to support education in Haiti. With the deep economic struggles in Haiti right now, sponsorship brings such peace of mind to students and their families. Thank you for being a blessing!  Read Jordany’s story of thanks on our blog.

Updated June 23, 2020

From the U.S. Embassy in Haiti:

The United States Government, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, is working to provide information on the prevention of COVID-19 in Haiti.

“Through the use of superheroes, comics, and television characters, USAID’s Project Santé, is leading a creative multi-media campaign with Haitian inspired characters to encourage children and their families to adopt COVID-19 prevention measures.”

“Using recognizable Haitian street, market and home scenes, the comics – spread as social media messages, brochures, and coloring pages – highlight the importance of wearing masks, social distancing, hand washing and staying home.  The printed comics and coloring pages are being distributed to hundreds of school leaders and parent networks throughout Haiti.”

“Messages are aimed at not only prevention measures, but also at helping people recognize the dangers of stigmatization and false information.”

Here is one example of the comics being shared (translated into English):

Updated June 22, 2020

A quick look at COVID-19 in Haiti: 

• 10,662 suspected cases
• 5,211 confirmed positive cases
• 4,965 active cases
• 24 recovered
• 88 deaths from COVID-19

Updated June 15, 2020

Each country has faced their own unique difficulties in dealing with COVID-19, and Haiti is no different. Dr. Jean William Pape – Director of GHESKIO, and Professor of Medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College, gave his insight on why Haiti is facing the “perfect storm” in relation to COVID-19. He addresses five major issues:

• Deep political divisions.
• Economic decline aggravated by COVID-19 leading to food insecurity.
• Sudden return of Haitians from the Dominican Republic where cases are soaring.
• Stigma and misinformation surrounding COVID-19.
• Gangs and insecurity in the slum areas.

To hear Dr. Jean William Pape’s interview, visit: https://www.csis.org/podcasts/take-directed/coronavirus-crisis-update-haitis-perfect-storm

Updated June 13, 2020

Cases of COVID-19 in Haiti continue to rise. In just 10 days the cases have nearly doubled in this small country of 11 million people. The majority of positive cases continue to be more concentrated in urban areas like the capital city of Port-au-Prince, but are also becoming more widespread.

• 9,006 suspected cases
• 4,309 confirmed positive cases
• 3,853 active cases
• 24 recovered
• 73 deaths from COVID-19

Updated June 5, 2020

Haitians are strong, resilient people.  They are used to weathering a lot of storms – even storms of disease such as malaria, dengue and cholera.  They are weathering the COVID-19 storm with their usual grace, BUT virus numbers are continuing to rise.  Outside of the metropolitan areas testing is virtually unavailable, so the number of cases are most likely much higher.

• 5,717 suspected cases
• 2,640 confirmed positive cases
• 2,435 active cases
• 24 recovered
• 50 deaths from COVID-19

Desormais, Haiti is home to one of the facilities that has the ability to test for COVID-19 (pictured below).

Updated May 28, 2020

Total number of COVID-19 cases in Haiti:

• 3,643 suspected cases
• 1,320 confirmed positive cases
• 1,264 active cases
• 22 recovered
• 34 deaths from COVID-19

Updated May 20, 2020

Total number of COVID-19 cases in Haiti:

• 2,270 suspected cases
• 63 new cases
• 596 confirmed positive cases
• 553 active cases
• 21 recovered
• 22 deaths from COVID-19

As COVID-19 numbers in Haiti begin to grow more quickly there have been reports of increased fear of the devastating effects that the virus could cause in the rural areas of Haiti. Communities near Williamson & Luly set up roadblocks in an attempt to prevent the government from bringing Haitians into the area who have returned from other countries and are in mandatory quarantine. 

Updated May 14, 2020

COVID-19 Cases Double In Ill-Prepared Haiti – NPR.org

“The number of confirmed coronavirus cases in Haiti has doubled over the past week, according to the Haitian Ministry of Health. As of May 13, there were 219 cases, up from 108 a week earlier. Cases are now being reported from all 10 departments, the local version of states, although the bulk of confirmed infections are in and around the capital Port-au-Prince. That bump in cases comes in the wake of a Pan American Health Organization warning of an impending humanitarian crisis in Haiti because of the pandemic.” 

Updated May 11, 2020

Total number of COVID-19 cases in Haiti:

• 1,296 suspected cases
• 31 new cases
• 182 confirmed positive cases
• 150 active cases
• 17 recovered
• 15 deaths from COVID-19

President Jovenel Moïse also announced a new policy requiring face masks to be worn in public places to slow the spread of COVID-19. Starting today, May 11th, face masks are mandatory. There are still no reported illnesses in the rural areas of Williamson and Luly. Please continue to pray for the country of Haiti. 

Updated May 4, 2020

Tomorrow is #GivingTuesdayNow – a day set aside to cover the globe in kindness and generosity during this time of COVID-19. As we celebrate this special day, we are asking you to consider joining the World Wide Village CORNERSTONE CLUB, and give monthly to keep WWV programs going strong over the next year. We are praying for $1,100 in additional monthly giving, and for:

• Five people to give $100 per month;
• Six people to give $50 per month;
• Twelve people to give $25 per month.

Will you go above and beyond to help the people of Haiti?

Updated April 29, 2020

As of today, Haiti is reporting 76 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and six deaths, with the majority being located in the capitol city of Port-au-Prince. Unfortunately, due to Haiti’s lack of access to healthcare and testing for the virus, these numbers may be low.

Despite the lack of testing, we are thankful that there are no reports from our Haitian staff of respiratory illnesses in Williamson or Luly. This is good news that we pray continues!  

In other exciting news, a new well is being drilled today next to the World Wide Village school in Luly!  This well will provide water to thousands of residents in the area, allowing for much easier access to water for handwashing!  Many teenage boys in the area gathered to watch the long process of drilling for water. Future engineers!

Updated April 24, 2020

Haiti has a tragic history of disasters. Will COVID-19 be next?  The Washington Post

“To date, only five people in Haiti have died of covid-19 and 72 cases have been confirmed. With a mere 439 tests conducted, those figures are undoubtedly low. Meanwhile, in the past week, fears of a major outbreak have surged as thousands of Haitian migrant workers flood home across the border from the Dominican Republic, which has reported over 5,000 cases and more than 250 deaths.”

Updated April 23, 2020

Even with COVID-19 hitting the country of Haiti, many of the World Wide Village programs continue to bless families in Haiti thanks to so many of you!  Here are just a few updates:

The Goat Program: Despite COVID-19, goats in Haiti are still multiplying! Many families that have been given goats in the past have security knowing that if jobs are lost, or they’re unable to provide for their families, they have the option of selling a goat to provide what they need. Many new families are also receiving goats for the first time.

The Medical Center: The office hours at the medical center have been reduced to accommodate our nurses who travel to Williamson to provide care, but the blood pressure program will continue to provide medication and screening to those in need.

Education: While schools in Haiti have been closed to stop the spread of COVID-19, World Wide Village teachers continue to receive a salary. One preschool teacher says, “Thank you, World Wide Village, for everything you’ve done for me and everything you’re continuing to do for me. What we’re receiving now from World Wide Village comes at just the right time. It helps me a lot because there are others [in Haiti] who have nothing at all, and it is very hard for them. Thank you very much.” Read more…

Please help these World Wide Village programs (and many others!) continue serving the people of Haiti during this difficult time. When you give monthly to the The Cornerstone Club you are providing for nursing salaries, the goat program and so much more!

Updated April 22, 2020

COVID-19 Trickles Into Haiti: ‘This Monster Is Coming Our Way’ – NY Times Article

“The virus has been slow to hit the country. But as laid-off Haitians return from hard-hit areas, doctors are preparing furiously for an outbreak they fear will strain the nation’s threadbare health care system.”

Updated April 16, 2020

Haiti to Reopen Textile Factories Despite Coronavirus Fears: NY Times

“Haiti will reopen its key textile industry next week, Prime Minister Joseph Jouthe said on Wednesday, suggesting the impoverished nation had escaped the worst of the global coronavirus pandemic by imposing early on a state of emergency.”

Updated April 15, 2020

Many have asked lately, “How are things in Haiti?” As we watch the news and we see the number of people affected by COVID-19 here in the United States, we’re fearful about what this virus might bring for our brothers and sisters in Haiti. World Wide Village President Randy Mortensen gives an update on COVID-19 in Haiti and also shares how you can be a blessing to the most vulnerable in Haiti by committing to giving to The Cornerstone Club each month, for one year.

Updated April 13, 2020

Join World Wide Village President, Randy Mortensen, LIVE on Facebook tomorrow night at 7:00 pm for updates related to World Wide Village and COVID-19 in Haiti.

Updated April 8, 2020

With updated guidelines on the use of masks when in public spaces, students and teachers at the World Wide Village Sewing Center have decided to give back!  Masks are now being sewn and given out in the community to help stop the spread of COVID-19 in Haiti. While social distancing is nearly impossible in a country of 11 million people where crowded, public, outdoor markets and jam-packed public transportation are the norm, masks can help contain the spread. READ MORE on the Sewing Center…

Updated April 6, 2020

Haiti is now reporting 24 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and one death. According to the Miami Herald, compared to the neighboring Dominican Republic, which has tested more than 4,000 people and registered 1,488 positive COVID-19 cases and 68 deaths, Haiti has only administered 257 tests. The lack of testing availability in Haiti is just one of the challenges to fighting this virus in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. READ MORE…

Updated March 22, 2020

WWV President, Randy Mortensen, shares an update related to COVID-19. With the new state of emergency declared in Haiti, WWV mission teams have been postponed until further notice. Mission teams make up 1/3 of all revenue for World Wide Village. Revenue from team members provide salaries for our Haitian staff, funding for our medical center, agricultural programs, and family support. Would consider joining The Cornerstone Club and giving monthly to WWV to help keep these programs in Haiti going strong? We simply cannot do it without you!

Updated March 20, 2020

The first two cases of COVID-19 were confirmed in Haiti yesterday. President Jovenel Moïse declared a countrywide state of emergency. All schools and factories are now closed and an 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. curfew has been imposed. In addition, all public gatherings of more than 10 people are prohibited and the country’s two international airports in Port-au-Prince and Cap-Haïtien are closed to all commercial flights.

World Wide Village schools are following all protocols to close schools. It is with a heavy heart that we see the schools in Haiti close their doors once again. Just six months ago the schools were closed to due political protesting and roadblocks. Thanks to our wonderful student sponsors, World Wide Village will continue to pay teachers’ salaries and will open schools as soon as the state of emergency has ended.