MFP’s New Technology Improves Cancer Patient Care

Posted on September 15, 2018 by mviola

Cervical cancer is a worldwide problem causing 250,000 deaths each year, predominantly in the developing world. Since 2010, MFP’s Women Heath Initiative has addressed the high rates of cervical cancer in Haitian women with an aggressive, hospital based and mobile clinic early detection and rapid treatment program.
The recent introduction of a compact, mobile device (colposcope) capable of enhanced visual assessment of the vagina and cervix (the ODT EVA system) has markedly improved the diagnostic accuracy of detecting curable cancer. Continue reading →

Combating Cervical Cancer in Rural Haiti

Posted on September 13, 2017 by mviola

Cervical cancer is a disease that primarily afflicts poor women, and Haiti has the highest rates in the world. In March 2010, Medicine For Peace (MFP) implemented a strategic plan to decrease deaths from cervical cancer in the Gros Morne region. The program has now screened more than 6,500 women, and evolved into a model comprehensive cancer control program. We have recently expanded our program to target an additional 35,000 women at risk for developing this lethal cancer.

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Women’s Health Month in Gros Morne

Posted on April 10, 2015 by mviola

The banner that hangs in front of the Alma Mater Hospital read, “March is Women’s Health Month. Free Examinations and Treatment.” Medicine and treatment have always been at no cost for our patients, but in March we waved the minimal fee that the hospital charges for clinic visits, as well. During the past months, Orna, our head nurse, spoke at all the Sunday Church services, and on the three radio stations in town.
“Protect your health. Come to the women’s clinic. Do this for your children, do it for yourself.” Continue reading →

Srebrenica Revisited

Posted on March 13, 2014 by mviola

As soon as we entered Bosnia-Herzegovina in July 1995, we learned that the Serbs had overrun the United Nations designated “safe area” of Srebrenica. Approximately 60,000 civilians had been held up in the Srebrenica enclave, and subjected to a blockade of food for three years and to intermittent artillery bombardment. Continue reading →

MFP Releases Report on Torture in Ethiopia

Posted on August 1, 2012 by mviola

The MFP Health Center for Torture Victims has released a report: Cruelty and Denial: Medical Evidence for State-Sponsored Torture in Ethiopia. The report presents medical forensic data that adds to the evidence from other sources that torture is widespread and conducted with impunity in Ethiopia.

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Milestone Reached: MFP Screens 2,000 Haitian Women for Cervical Cancer

Posted on July 1, 2012 by mviola

Cervical cancer rates in Haiti are among the highest in the world. MFP initiated a cervical cancer detection and treatment program in May 2010 at the Alma Mater Hospital in Gros Morne. While the cornerstone of the program is cervical cancer screening and prevention, the program provides a general gynecological examination, testing for sexually transmitted infections (including HIV screening), breast examinations, and counseling services in health-promoting behavior. The MFP program is a collaboration between Haitian and U.S. health professionals, and is one of the few high-volume cancer screening programs in Haiti. Continue reading →

The Childrens Scholarship Fund For Girls Celebrates its Twentieth Year

Posted on January 1, 2012 by mviola

The Children’s Scholarship Fund For Girls entered its twentieth year of supporting the education of Hispanic girls living in the U.S. After the earthquake on January 2009, we expanded our program by providing support for students and teachers at the Foni Bo School in Gros Morne, Haiti. Continue reading →

MFP Health Center For Victims of Torture Enters Third Year

Posted on January 1, 2012 by mviola

Since the MFP Health Center For Victims of Torture opened its doors in November 2009, the medical team has delivered primary care, written more than 200 affidavits, and given testimony in court on behalf of asylum seekers. Our testimony and affidavits have played an important role in convincing immigration judges that our patients were torture victims in their home country, and are worthy of asylum in the United States. MFP has partnered with the Advocates for Survivors of Torture and Trauma (ASTT) and Torture Advocates and Survivors Support Coalition (TASSC) to offer a wide range of medical, mental health and social services to torture victims. Continue reading →