COVID-19 and Compassion’s Work in Haiti

An in-depth look at the coronavirus pandemic in Haiti

Last Updated: 10/19/2020

Haiti has reported 8,902 cases of COVID-19 and at least 230 related deaths, although health care workers warn that the numbers could be much higher. Many Haitians have a deep distrust of government and public health authorities and prefer to self-treat at home. Additionally, clinics and hospitals were strained even before the pandemic, as many Haitians need care for chronic health problems such as malnourishment, diabetes and hypertension. The government has imposed a curfew from midnight to 4 a.m. and requires masks to be worn in public. Students across the country returned to classes in August.

Compassion child development centers throughout the country have resumed on-site activities. They are following strict protocols to keep children and youth safe from the coronavirus, which is still affecting the country. Partner church workers have been able to deliver 162,427 food packs and 92,192 hygiene kits and have provided medical assistance to 12,756 people.

How is Compassion Currently Operating in Haiti?

Below, you will find the latest information on how Compassion is currently operating in Haiti, including status updates on center openings, letter delivery and gift delivery. This is the most current information we have, though it can change quickly. Please know that all children and their families are being checked in on regularly by staff, either in person or by phone, even if the Compassion center is not open for programming. Watch this video for a detailed explanation of how COVID-19 is affecting Compassion centers and how local partners are caring for each registered child during this season.

Are Compassion Centers Open?

All centers in Haiti have begun a phased reopening, while abiding by local guidelines for group sizes and social distancing. Staff members continue to call and check in on families, and in some communities they are able to visit children while obeying social distancing guidelines. Because of the generous support of sponsors and donors, they have been able to distribute 162,427 food packs and 92,192 hygiene kits to children and their families!

Are Children Receiving Letters?

Are Gifts Being Delivered?

Gifts continue to be distributed in Haiti. Staff members have been given the option to disburse monetary gifts to an appropriate, verified caregiver, if necessary. This applies to family gifts and child gifts (including birthday and final gifts). Families may spend the gift on whatever they consider most important to meet family needs. The caregiver will be notified whether a gift has been designated as a child gift or family gift. The caregiver will decide the best use of the money, recognizing that sometimes purchasing food or paying rent is in the best interest of a child.

Story From the Field

Six months after child development centers in Haiti were forced to close their doors due to COVID-19, Compassion Haiti is officially welcoming the children back! Haiti has reported a considerable drop in the number of cases, and local governments authorized the resumption of religious activities back in July.

Compassion Haiti has taken a deliberately cautious approach to reopening centers, putting in place careful guidelines for centers to follow so they can continue protecting children's safety. Before reopening, each center is encouraged to establish a health committee, use a forehead thermometer to regularly monitor children’s temperatures, use a spray pump to disinfect the rooms, and purchase face shields and masks for the children. Some centers are meeting in shifts, morning and afternoon, to reduce the number of children per classroom.

"We have acquired masks as well as several hundred face shields distributed free of charge to beneficiaries in order to ensure that each child can have at least one safe way to protect themselves or a classmate," says Dave-Son, a project facilitator who oversees the work of a group of Compassion centers.

New Life Child Development Center is one of the recently reopened centers, and the children there are thrilled to be back.

Six-year-old Widnerline prayed for a long time to be reunited with her friends. "I prayed every day that the Lord would give me the chance to come back to the center," she says.

How can I pray for Haiti?

Pray for wisdom and perseverance as Compassion Haiti staff and volunteers work hard to create a safe, healthy place for the children as they return to their centers and are reunited with their friends. For more prayer resources, visit Compassion’s COVID-19 prayer page for prayer guides and a virtual prayer wall.

How Can I Help?

Sponsor a Child in Haiti

Give to Compassion’s COVID-19 Relief Fund

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