Haiti
The Medical Mission to Haiti is Managed by AMCAN/CMANA Canada.
General Information
Haiti, the only nation in the world to be established as a result of a successful slave rebellion, has a rich and proud history. Often associated with Vodou and creole food, Haiti has a culture distinct from its neighboring nations.
While it is estimated that up to 95% of Haitians are Christians, many Haitians also practice Vodou alongside Christianity. When Christianity was first practiced in Haiti, the African Americans from West Africa would disguise their Ioa, or spirits, as Catholic saints. This practice continues in Haiti, as approximately half of all Christians also practice some degree of Vodou.
Haiti has a hot climate with temperatures ranging between 20° C and 30° C. For more information click here.
Visa
American visitors to Haiti do not need a visa if their visit is less than 90 days long.
However, all travelers need a valid passport. Full visa rules can be found here.
**Haiti Airport: Cap Haiten
Coptic Mission in Haiti
The Coptic Mission in Haiti have partnered with a local hospital as well as a local NGO to maximize the impact of service. The hospital, Hospital Bon Samaritain, is located near the northern coast of Haiti, in a town called Limbe.
The airport in this region is called Hugo Chávez International (CAP) Airport indianpharmall.com. Noramise, the NGO we have partnered with, has strong local roots in the region we are serving. Started by a US-trained, Haitian physician, Noramise has expanded and become much more than a health care NGO.
Today they are involved with training youth to use computers, plant and grow crops, and even start small businesses. More information on Noramise is available here.
Come and Serve
CMANA has contributed in serving the people of Haiti over the past 2 years through partnering with a local hospital as well as a local NGO. The hospital is located in a town called Limbe. On the other hand, Noramise the NGO that CMANA partnered with has strong local roots in the region where they serve, they are involved with training the youth to use computers, plant and grow crops, and even start small businesses.
Don’t miss out on the opportunity to serve the Lord with the gifts and talents He blessed you with.
“As Haiti is a French-speaking country, CMANA Canada has taken over management of this mission”
Exchange Rate
The local currency is called the Haitian Gourde. Sixty Gourde is roughly equal to one US dollar.
Typical meals in restaurants cost approximately five US dollars. Current exchange rates can be found here.
Health Advisory
The CDC advises that travelers to Haiti are up to date on vaccinations including:
- Hepatitis A
- Malaria
- Typhoid
- Cholera
- Hepatitis B
- Rabies
A full list of CDC recommendations can be found here. Tap water in Haiti is not suitable for consumption.
**Zika virus is prevalent in Bolivia and Haiti. Women who are pregnant or who are planning to become pregnant (Also men could become carriers for some time and transmit the virus to their wives) should consult with their physician or health care provider prior to traveling as there is a risk of birth defects with Zika infection during pregnancy.
Cultural Customs and Food
Haitians are generally expressive yet respectful people. They strongly believe in faith healing, particularly through the use of Vodou practices. Haitians tend to see time as flexible and do not consider it impolite to show up to appointments a little late. Interactions between genders tend to be cordial; a handshake is the preferred greeting.
Haitian food tends to be very flavorful and spicy. The main staples include rice and beans served with vegetables and fish. Haitian food combines African, French, and Caribbean styles into a unique style.