Stories from the Field: Kevin Merci

Seven-year-old Kevin is one of eight children. His family lives at Delmas 33, a shantytown near Grace Children´s Hospital. Kevin´s father died several years ago.  He lives with his siblings and his mother, who works as a vendor in a public market.

When Kevin first became ill his mother thought he was suffering from colic.  Then he came down with a persistent fever and diarrhea. His mother took him to a local health center where they both tested positive for HIV. Kevin was so ill that he required immediate hospitalization and was admitted to the General Hospital of Port-au-Prince. After further testing, the doctors confirmed that Kevin also had tuberculosis.  He was then referred to Grace Children´ Hospital.

For nearly 40 years, International Child Care´s greatest reputation has been in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB).  ICC is the leading non-governmental organization working with the Haitian Ministry of Health in the planning and execution of a national TB control program.  HIV infection is the most potent risk factor for developing tuberculosis.  TB is also the most common cause of death in HIV positive persons. Therefore, ICC also offers anti-retroviral treatment services as a natural extension of ongoing TB treatment. Access to HIV treatment has a significant effect on the control of tuberculosis in Haiti.

Kevin began treatment for tuberculosis as soon as he was admitted to Grace Children´s Hospital. Then, after the TB was under control, he started a regimen of anti-retroviral drugs to control his HIV.  Kevin´s mother also began treatment at Grace Children's Hospital´s adult HIV outpatient clinic.

Kevin enjoys the nutritious meals he is served at the hospital and attending classes at the Grace school. He also enjoys singing and dancing with the friends he has made on the inpatient ward. Kevin appreciates the company of his little friends, even though he misses his family - especially his three younger sisters.

Kevin feels a lot better now that he is under the doctors´ care at Grace Children´s Hospital. The medical staff is very pleased with how quickly he has responded to the treatment. They are hopeful that he will be well enough to return home within the next month.