Field Notes from Haiti

Over the past several weeks, long-time Konbit Sante strategic advisors Hugh Tozer and Nate Nickerson traveled to Cap-Haitien to work directly with our clinical partners across the region. Their visit came at an important time, as hospitals continue adapting to funding cuts, rising patient needs, and aging infrastructure. What they accomplished together—and what they observed—shows both how far our partners have come and how much your continued support matters.

At top: Nate, Hugh, and the Serving Sante team evaluating the water system to ensure safe, reliable water for patients and staff.

At Justinien University Hospital (JUH), the largest public hospital in Northern Haiti, Hugh and Nate focused on the essential systems that keep care safe and reliable:

• They repaired the solar power system that runs warming beds, oxygen concentrators, and lighting.
• They installed a new transformer for the oxygen generation plant.
• Repaired two warming tables and restored the door closure to the NICU.
• Brought a critical hospital dryer back into service.
• Worked with staff to ensure Pediatrics receives consistent water from the hospital water tower.

Nate & Melick troubleshooting the solar system for JUH Peds.

Hugh working with the team at HHA to change air filters for the O2 generator.

During one repair, Hugh paused and noticed rows of infants on warming beds with oxygen concentrators powered by the very solar power system he was fixing. Moments like that reveal how infrastructure work translates directly into lives saved.

Supporting Oxygen & Water Systems Across Partner Sites

Hugh and Nate also visited all partner facilities and conducted key repairs and evaluations:

• At Hope Health Action, they completed maintenance and training on the oxygen generator with the local operators—an especially critical task, since this unit has been the primary supplier of medical oxygen for all of our partners since it went online and must remain fully functional.
• At Serving Sante, they assessed the adequacy of the solar power system given the hospital’s rapid expansion, and assessed how to assure adequate clean water for the center and the local community.
• At Fort Saint-Michel, they reviewed the progress on the current project to install a functional water system and tested water quality, reviewed electricity needs and evaluated proposals to expand their solar power capacity.
• At Unite de la Lutte pour le Sante, they inspected the recently completed retaining wall, water supply, and generator issues.

The shortage of safe water remains a critical concern at every site—every water sample tested showed contamination. Technical solutions exist but require stable funding and consistent oversight.

Leadership and Progress That Stand Out

Hugh and Nate both noted that every partner facility is now guided by leaders who show up, solve problems, and drive a clear vision for community care. JUH Pediatrics continues its remarkable transformation; FSM is gaining new momentum under Dr. Codio; Serving Sante is moving forward thanks to Nelly and Duky’s tireless efforts; JUH’s director, Dr. Turenne, remains a constant force for improvement; and at ULS, Dr. Mesadieu is pushing ahead with plans to expand surgical services. Together, these leaders are charting the future of healthcare in the North— and Konbit Sante is committed to walking alongside them as they do it.

A Konbit in Action

This trip underscores the essential role volunteers play in our model. Hugh, who has served as the president of our board and supported Konbit Sante in many capacities for years, brought indispensable engineering expertise. Nate, our former executive director and now strategic advisor, helped bridge technical, clinical, and leadership needs across sites.

Together, they accomplished repairs and improvements that would otherwise be out of reach—and they did it in a way that strengthens local ownership and long-term sustainability.

From repairing oxygen systems to ensuring clean water, to NICU maintenance, this visit strengthened almost every part of our network. It’s a clear picture of what a konbit looks like: many hands working together so communities can receive the care they deserve.

Thank you for being part of that shared effort.