Leaders of an aid organization that has facilitated heart surgeries for over 100 Haitian children in the U.S. voiced concerns regarding President Donald Trump’s travel ban affecting 19 countries. The ban, set to take effect soon, threatens to delay or cancel emergency surgeries for at least a dozen children who urgently require treatment. The International Cardiac Alliance’s Executive Director, Owen Robinson, highlighted that their waitlist for Haitian patients needing surgery exceeds 316 individuals, with only five surgical slots available in the U.S.
Robinson emphasized the dire situation, stating that some children may not survive without timely intervention. The travel restrictions complicate already intricate logistics for families seeking medical care, particularly for those needing to visit multiple countries before reaching their destination. For instance, Fabienne Rene, a 16-year-old diagnosed with rheumatic heart disease, is unable to attend school and faces uncertainty about her upcoming surgery in the Dominican Republic due to the travel ban.
The U.S. Embassy in Haiti hinted that visa issuance for medical purposes may be severely impacted by the ban. Additionally, medical missions to Haiti have stalled due to escalating gang violence and a shortage of healthcare professionals. Pediatric cardiologist Dr. John Clark noted that many Haitian children suffer from preventable diseases because they lack access to basic healthcare.
Families remain hopeful, with some, like Andrice Boncoeur, who has previously undergone heart surgery, anxiously awaiting potential updates regarding travel permissions. As the situation unfolds, advocates call for compassion and understanding from the U.S. administration, stressing the urgent need for medical care for these vulnerable children.
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