An Update from our NICU

HEI/SBH’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has been operating over capacity every single day this month. Unfortunately, this trend isn’t new for us—it’s become normal.

At any given time, our hardworking team is providing lifesaving, 24/7 care to more than 40 babies in need—and have tended to more than 500 babies so far this year. Every bed is always full, and every day more babies need urgent care.

This surge in NICU patients is a direct result of the ongoing unrest in Haiti.

Gang violence, travel restrictions, and resource shortages have caused healthcare facilities across the country to shutter, restricting Haitians’ already limited access to care.

Because of these challenges, more women are unable to receive prenatal care and other essential services that can keep them healthy and safe throughout their pregnancy. As a result, we have seen an increase in both high-risk pregnancies and NICU admissions at SBH.

Our is the only fully functional NICU in southern Haiti, and one of only four NICUs in the entire country. Our team is working as hard as they can to care for every infant, knowing HEI/SBH is the child’s only hope. 

But as the demand continues to rapidly grow, we’re calling on our community for help. We need more resources to help keep our NICU fully stocked with essential medicines and supplies, and we must expand our capacity to care for more infants.

If you are able, please consider making a gift today in support of our NICU and the life-saving work of our pediatrics team. Even just $10 can make a difference for our youngest and most vulnerable patients.

On behalf of our NICU team, thank you for your unwavering support.