Haitian Group Honoured for AIDS Work, Earthquake Aid

• by Ann Shen (new york)
• Tuesday, May 18, 2010
• Inter Press Service

GHESKIO, which stands for Groupe Haïtien d'Étude du Sarcome de Kaposi et des Infectieuses Opportunistes, is the 10th winner of the annual Gates award. Judges lauded the group for its long-term impact, as well as its swift response to treat the sick and injured in the aftermath of the Jan. 12 earthquake.

For years, the group has provided ground-breaking clinical service, research and training, which has effectively prevented the spread of the HIV/AIDS and other related illnesses, said the Global Health Council, which announced the award at a symposium in Geneva Monday.

Although GHESKIO's headquarters in Port-au-Prince was seriously damaged, it opened its doors to 7,000 suddenly homeless citizens, and opened a field hospital. Within a week of the earthquake, the group was able to ensure that 95 percent of those under care of HIV and tuberculosis were returned to their life-saving medications and care despite the destruction.

GHESKIO is led by Dr. Jean William (Bill) Pape, a Haitian native. He has been one of the leading clinicians since the early days of the epidemic and was noted for achieving AIDS patient survival rates and treatment adherence that rival those of the most advanced hospitals and clinics in the United States and Europe. In addition, the group's research has informed the treatment and care of AIDS patients worldwide.

Prior to the earthquake, the GHESKIO network was providing palliative care to more than 50,000 HIV-infected patients and antiretroviral therapy to more than 13,500 - roughly 55 percent of all patients on AIDS treatment in Haiti

'GHESKIO won this award because of the remarkable impact that Dr. Bill Pape and his colleagues have had in saving lives and strengthening the health system in Haiti,' said Global Health Council President and CEO Jeffrey L. Sturchio.

'They have built GHESKIO into a rare institution - one based in a developing country that has become a leader in the global research community. That dual character - world-class research capabilities tied to deep roots in the local community - is what sets GHESKIO apart and makes them the natural recipient of this recognition,' he said.

He added that, 'Under Dr. Jean William Pape's extraordinary leadership, GHESKIO has shown what is possible in even the most difficult circumstances by working with and for affected communities. GHESKIO's energetic and sustained response to the earthquake in Haiti speaks volumes about Dr. Pape and his organisation.'

Pape expressed joy with the selection of GHESKIO. 'For almost 30 years GHESKIO has tirelessly served those most in need in Haiti. I could not be more proud of our Haitian staff who have worked diligently before, during and after the Jan. 12 earthquake to meet the multiple needs of the population. They are the ones who, with our partners, have earned this recognition,' said Pape, who also is professor of medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City.

'It has been 30 years since we began work in Haiti,' said Dr. Warren Johnson Jr., director of the Centre for Global Health at Weill Cornell, and a co-founder of GHESKIO. He was also Pape's advisor and mentor since medical school at Cornell.

'It started with a rehydration unit for infants, progressed to AIDS/TB, and continues with the earthquake and its devastation. The challenges never diminish, but continue to be met by the indomitable spirit of GHESKIO and its partners. The award is a hard-earned honour,' he said.

The group will receive one million dollars as part of the award, which was established by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to recognise organisations that have made outstanding contributions to improving health, especially in resource-poor settings. The winner was chosen by a jury of international health leaders from 179 nominations received from around the world.

GHESKIO was created in 1982 after Haitian physicians from different specialties began observing a rise in mortality rates from previously treatable diseases such as diarrhea and Kaposi's sarcoma.

Since its inception, GHESKIO has worked in close partnership with Weill Cornell Medical College, the Haitian Ministry of Health, the Haitian Medical Association and more than 100 public and private institutions in Haiti.

© Inter Press Service (2010) — All Rights ReservedOriginal source: Inter Press Service

Where next?

Advertisement