Why

For too long, leprosy was largely invisible in Haiti until recent years. In 2014, a small initiative in a hospital conference room began offering care to people with unexplained skin conditions. This simple step evolved into Klinik Sen Damien (Clinic Saint Damien), Haiti’s only dedicated leprosy clinic serving the northern half of the country. CMMB began supporting the clinic in 2017, and the clinic has since grown into a vital referral center, providing free testing, treatment, and care to thousands of patients across nearly half of the country.

CMMB’s advocacy contributed to the Ministry of Health’s formal recognition of Leprosy and easier access to proper diagnosis and treatment at Klinik Sen Damiem— reducing transmission and addressing stigma.

What

Today, Klinik Sen Damien delivers comprehensive and compassionate care for individuals affected by leprosy and other skin conditions in northern Haiti. Patients receive in-depth consultations, laboratory testing—including baccilloscopies—to accurately identify leprosy, followed by appropriate treatment using WHO-recommended medications.

In addition to clinical care, the clinic provides one-on-one health education to help patients understand the disease and prevent its transmission within their communities. Recognizing the financial burden many patients face, the clinic offers transportation support. This was especially critical in its early years, when referrals to distant hospitals were necessary to access appropriate medications. Thanks to sustained investment, the clinic operates in a purpose-built space equipped with solar-powered laboratories, inpatient beds, and hygienic facilities. The Ministry of Health has designated Klinik Sen Damien as the primary referral center for leprosy in the northern half of Haiti.