03 January, 2003
2003 medical mission: Batey Relief Alliance (BRA) and AMHE partner in health care delivery
The Batey Relief Alliance (BRA), in partnership with the Association of Haitian Physicians Abroad (AMHE), is setting up its annual medical mission to the Dominican Republic. The mission will be held from May 2 through 10 in the bateys of Monte Plata province.
Free care and medicines will be provided to more than 3400 impoverished adults and children languishing in the country’s sugar cane plantations labor enclaves known as bateys, including Haitian migrant workers and their families. We expect to serve another 18000 by donating critical drugs, supplies and equipment to BRA’s local member and partner organizations serving our target population. The needy residents will receive free health care in general medicine, pediatrics, gynecology, dentistry and preventive health education around HIV/AIDS. More than 30 health care professionals and strategists from the United States, Canada, Great Britain, the Dominican Republic and Haiti have registered to participate in the project. International organizations such as the Catholic Medical Mission Board and the Direct Relief International will provide most of the drugs, medical supplies and equipment. The Dominican Republic’s Ministry of Health (SESPAS) and the State Sugar Council (CEA) and the Haitian Embassy will partner with BRA in logistics. The local Peace Corps office will provide volunteer health translators. Basic health care is a rarity in the bateys due to money, racial discrimination, poor health infrastructure and limited public access. Should you need further information about our humanitarian work, on how to apply or to make a donation, please visit our website at www.bateyrelief.org.
