Hypertension affects 65% of Haitians over the age of 40, and is the greatest cause of morbidity and mortality in Haitian adults ahead of HIV, Cholera, Malaria, and Tuberculosis combined.
Beginning with the participants in the Elderly Project, we are working to combat hypertension with a two-pronged approach — managing existing hypertension and educating to prevent hypertension. We are partnering with wonderful local doctors to provide immediate help by getting the hypertension of our elderly under control with appropriate medications. Our nurse and health coordinator, Bettyna, screens them bi-weekly and adjusts medications under the doctors’ supervision.
Bettyna is also working hard to educate the elderly in a proper diet that will help prevent not only hypertension, but diabetes and heart disease as well. Education will be key in making positive changes in the health of the wider community, and we are excited about being a part of that process!