Haitian Group GHESKIO Wins $1-million Gates Award for Global Health

Many organizations have stepped up in the aftermath of Haiti's devastating earthquake. But one group, which has been stepping up for the health of Haitians and others around the world for nearly 30 years, went above and beyond to help Haiti's people in their greatest time of need.

GHESKIO, a French acronym for "Haitian Group for the Study of Kaposi’s Sarcoma and Opportunistic Infections," was honored with the prestigious Gates Award for Global Health at the Global Health Council symposium in Geneva today. The $1-million prize is not only to recognize the institution's ground-breaking medical work — work that rivals that of the world’s wealthiest nations — but also the major role the group played in the aftermath of the January 12 earthquake.

Led by Dr. Jean William (Bill) Pape, this consortium of Haitian health professionals was the first in the world to dedicate their efforts to the fight against HIV/AIDS, which at the time (1982) was a disease that had not yet been identified. These physicians, all with different specialties, began observing a rise in mortality rates from previously treatable diseases such as diarrhea and Kaposi’s sarcoma. In 1983, GHESKIO published the first description of HIV/AIDS in the developing world in The New England Journal of Medicine. Today, the group is dedicated to the treatment of HIV/AIDS through prevention and clinical care as well as through research and training. Their work, based on solid evidence and years of practical experience, has provided an important model to other groups in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean struggling with similar health care challenges.

Global Health Council President and CEO Jeffrey L. Sturchio said in an email to Tonic: “The jury couldn’t imagine a more worthy recipient of the 2010 Gates Award for Global Health – especially in this year, when Haiti depended on GHESKIO so much." In the council’s press release, Sturchio further contextualized their accomplishments stating: “They have built GHESKIO into a rare institution – one based in a developing country that has become a leader in the global research community.”

GHESKIO has thrived over the years despite political turmoil and a deteriorating economy in Haiti. Pape told Tonic that their resiliency is due to the fact that “obstacles met on the way have helped strengthen there determination to get the work done. It builds character and helps create role models for the next generation.” Their work has literally saved tens of thousands of lives and that was before the disaster struck this January.

At no time was the group's focus and strength better illustrated that in the aftermath of the earthquake when some 7,000 traumatized Haitians who had lost their homes were taken in by their Port-au-Prince staff. GHESKIO itself took a major hit during the quake losing several staff members as well as their own headquarters; reportedly suffering more than $10 million in damages to buildings and equipment. They had to construct a completely new site for those seeking shelter, providing irrigation, latrines, clean water, lighting and security as well as a school and a primary care medical clinic Their first-response trauma center helped care for the injured and was able to provide life-saving medication. Amazingly, care was resumed to most HIV and tuberculosis patients within a week of the quake. Prior to the quake, GHESKIO was providing free care to over 500,000 patients annually with HIV infection, sexually transmitted infections and tuberculosis.

In reference to the massive monetary prize his organization was granted today Pape explains: “We need to make sure that every dollar counts, we are a very poor country.” Being chosen for the Gates Award however is very meaningful to the group, “we are very much honored to have been selected. It is like a Life Achievement Award that came after almost three decades of hard work under very difficult conditions. This award is important to boost the morale of our dedicated staff. They have all worked continuously before and especially after the earthquake to meet numerous new challenges.” Pape is grateful to the partnerships that have strengthened the group over the years, citing “collaborations with local and international institutions (the Ministry of Health, the Haitian Medical Association and other NGOs involved in the same fight against infectious diseases) as part of the reason they’ve been able to thrive under such difficult conditions. Since its inception, GHESKIO has also worked closely with New York’s Weill Cornell Medical College.

“We have all always agreed that no matter what, Haiti must come first”

The award, Pape says, “is also particularly great for my country. As you well know only bad things are usually reported out of Haiti. We know that our country is great and that our people are capable of doing what may appear impossible. The earthquake has revealed their resilience and their good nature. Our greatest strength is the wisdom, resiliency and artistic talent of our people.”

The prestigious Gates Award for Global Health was established in 2000 by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to recognize organizations that have made outstanding contributions to improving health, especially in resource-poor settings. The winner this year was chosen by a jury of international health leaders from 179 nominations received from around the world. Last year’s award went to The London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine.

Photos courtesy of Loren Rogers and Joshua Lee Kelsey via Flickr.