US Medical Mission “MEDRETE” Treats more than 8,300 Patients in the Southeast of Haiti

September 23, 2009  - No. 2009/64 

On September 23, members of the U.S. Army concluded humanitarian mission “MEDRETE” in Marigot and Cayes-Jacmel.  This medical mission was a success. About 8,300 patients were treated by this military team of doctors, dentists, ophthalmologists and other medical professionals. 

 "We are working with the Haitian Government on long-term economic growth and job creation," said U.S. Ambassador Kenneth Merten, who attended the closing ceremony held at Cayes-Jacmel’s Medical Clinic, "but people's immediate needs are also extremely important.  Americans care deeply about the people of Haiti, and this mission -- people helping people directly -- is a demonstration of the friendship between our two countries."  

With the collaboration of the Haitian Ministry of Health and local authorities, doctors from the U. S. Army Reserve attended patients in Marigot's Ecole Nationale September 14-18 and in Cayes-Jacmel's Medical Clinic September 19-23.  They provided medical treatment to over 3000, dental treatment to over 1500 and optometry exams to over 1500.  More than 600 pairs of glasses were given out.

 "We wish to thank the Haitian Government, especially the Ministry of Health, for its collaboration, and also the communities in Marigot and Cayes-Jacmel who welcomed us," said Col. Donna Hershey, the commander of the humanitarian mission.  It really has been a successful mission."  (End of text)