Duke Formalizes Partnership in Haiti

The Duke Global Health Institute, Hubert-Yeargan Center, Duke OB/GYN, and Family Health Ministries (FHM) have joined forces to formalize Duke's involvement in Leogane, Haiti. Under the leadership of David Walmer, associate professor in reproductive endocrinology and fertility, and chairman of Family Health Ministries, fieldwork opportunities will be available to Duke global health residents; undergraduate, graduate and professional students; and faculty interested in conducting research in Haiti.

This Duke partnership builds on FHM's more than 15-year presence in Haiti. In January 2009, it opened a new maternal child clinic in Leogane and will open a pathology lab in April as part of its cervical cancer screening program. FHM is also about to begin construction on the Leogane Family Health and Research Center which will include a clinic, office space and a guesthouse to accommodate faculty and students.

To help raise money for the new clinic, FHM hosted its annual fundraising event on May 2nd at the Kirby Winter Garden at the Fuqua School of Business. The event featured Haitian artwork, and silent and live auctions. Over 160 people attended, and the event brought in more than $11,000 to support the building efforts in Leogane.