HaitiEpiscopalConnection.org
Title
haiti episcopal connection
Contact
- EpiscopalReliefand Development
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- NEW YORK NY
- United States 10017-4503
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- +1.21292252
Description
Haiti is located to the west of the Dominican Republic on the island of Hispaniola in the Caribbean. Cuba is to its west. It is 10,714 square miles (slightly larger than the state of Maryland). Haiti is one of the most densely populated and poorest countries in the Western Hemisphere.
Poverty contributes to poor health conditions and lack of proper nutrition. Malnutrition contributes to 60 percent of all deaths among children. Vaccination coverage for children is only about 25 percent, and only about one-fourth of the population has access to safe water. The infant mortality rate is 71 deaths for every 1,000 live births, more than twice the regional average. More than one-third of all children who survive their first birthday show signs of severe growth retardation because of lack of proper nutrition. Life expectancy is 51.6 years.
High illiteracy contributes to Haiti’s poor health, low economic production, and inability to compete in the global economy. Less than half the population is literate. Only about one child in five of secondary-school age actually attends secondary school. Lack of education contributes to Haiti’s health problems including HIV/AIDS.
