IMA Bringing Hope

By Douglas Bright/IMA

Her name is Stephanie. She lives in Jacmel, Haiti, and she is 18 years old. She sits on this street and begs for money from strangers. Because of her disfigurement, she is alone, rejected by family and society. Stephanie and those like her see little hope for the future.

Stephanie suffers from a severe case of what is commonly called elephantiasis (actually, lymphatic filariasis, or LF). It can be prevented with medicines. If contracted, it cannot be cured, but it can be stopped and the effects managed. Nearly everyone in Haiti is susceptible to this disease unless they are treated. And nearly 6 million have been treated for elephantiasis so far (as well as another terrible disease that comes from soil-transmitted parasites). Treatment is expected to reach full national coverage by the end of 2011. IMA leads this USAID-funded program of the Haitian Ministries of Health and Education.

And now, because of this work, Stephanie and other Haitians can have hope. Hope of a future Haiti unshackled from these horrific diseases.

Lives are being saved and restored every day thanks to your caring support.

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