Homéopathes Communautaires jump into action as Chikungunya sweeps through Haiti
Not long after the big earthquake of January 2010, Cholera was brought into Haiti; who knew that Haiti would have to deal so soon with another first-time infection? The Chikungunya virus, first identified and named in Tanzania in 1952, has been slowly making its way across the Caribbean since December 2013. In April, the Caribbean Public Health Agency declared that the Chikungunya virus had reached epidemic proportions in the Caribbean.
Chikungunya translates to “that which bends up”, referring to the contorted posture of some sufferers. The symptoms, while similar to Dengue’s headache and fever, also include a rash and joint pain. Typically the illness resolves in about a week. It is rarely fatal, but for some, it may mean joint pains for months or even years.
Homeopathy treats Chikungunya
Earlier this month Homéopathes Communautaires PG Legerme, HWB Haitian Liaison, and pharmacist James Alcy, both graduates of HWB’s classes in Haiti, reported their first cases of Chikungunya to staff in the USA. The remedies they are finding useful include Eupatorium, Bryonia, Rhus-Tox, and Arnica. They continue to treat many people in their communities, while networking with other Homéopathes Communautaires to determine the full symptom-picture and Genus Epidemicus, and to record responses to the remedies they have administered. They are now using remedies prophylactically and will document the response. Some of the strong symptoms they have identified include moderate dry fever; extreme thirst; pain and stiffness making it difficult to walk, or pick up a glass of water to drink; and a body rash.
Homeopaths Without Borders is awed and gratified to see that the graduates of our first homeopathic classes are willing and able to take charge and jump right in when a new disease arises in their communities. This is proof-positive that their training allows them to take the case, prescribe the correct remedy, and provide follow-up care as needed, no matter what the situation.
"If you think you are too small to be effective, you have never been in the dark with a mosquito." -Betty Reese
“We are happy to help you do such great work!”
These are the words spoken by a representative of the Walbridge Family Foundation who this month awarded Homeopaths Without Borders a $10,000 grant to advance homeopathy.
We thank the Walbridge Family Foundation for recognizing the importance of homeopathy in continuing to advance affordable, effective healthcare in Haiti and other underserved areas.
Won’t you help us to continue this groundbreaking work in Haiti?
Your financial contribution — no matter what the amount — coupled with the Walbridge Family Foundation grant will help us reach our 2014 goal of $35,000. HWB has recently begun working in collaboration with a community clinic in Haiti. With your help, we can expand our clinic program and teach the medical staff at this clinic how to use and integrate homeopathy into their medical practices.
You are essential to our success — We couldn’t do it without you! Thank you for your past and continuing support of Homeopaths Without Borders. With you, we are Teaching, Treating, and Making a Difference in Healthcare Together.
Wanted: A few good volunteers!
It’s not just about the money. Use your computer skills at home as an HWB volunteer writer, website developer or managing our website and database. Parle vous francais? Looking for bilingual homeopaths for phone consultations with HCs in Haiti and to provide written translations of homeopathic documents. Contact us today!
