34 years of experience as a Medical Doctor started working in Public Health to become a
Health Management specialist with demonstrated and recognized outstanding
contributions in Public Health for the past 30 years. My areas of expertise and in-depth
experience, in addition to Project and Programs Management, are Health Service
Organization, Health Governance, Strategic Leadership Planning results-oriented,
Health sector Reform, health system strengthening, and Decentralization.
My journey in public health started during my internship as a resident in Pediatrics at
the State University Hospital (HUEH). At that time, HIV disease was defined as “4 H”
when discovered at the Hospital pediatric rehydration unit where a lot of children from
1 to 6 years with mothers at their bedside presented not only the same symptoms of acute diarrhea but also skin rashes which were diagnosed as Kaposi’s sarcoma. A study group constituted of pediatricians, dermatologists, biologists, and infectious disease specialists local and international under the coordination of Dr. Jean William Pape started their research with the support of UNICEF and Cornell University. As a resident in Pediatrics, I had chosen to volunteer the work of this study. This, in fact, can explain why my pediatric specialization was fragmented and my License as a pediatrician was obtained in 1994.
Then, in 1995, I started with one of the biggest USAID Heath projects, after the embargo, that Haiti never had before called Heath systems 2004, targeting 45% of the population as a technical advisor with Management Sciences for Health. I worked 16 years managing subsequently HS 2004 (PHASE 1), HS-2004 (PHASE II), HS-2007, SDSH, SSQH projects as successively technical Operations Coordinator, Technical Director, Deputy Chief of Party and ad interim Chief of Party. I had the privilege to serve in Afghanistan in 2003 participating in a health system baseline assessment survey and the results were used to elaborate with all international partners and donors, around the Afghan Ministry of Health, a plan reorganizing the entire health system. In Afghanistan, I also presented to a large donors’ conference, the health performance-based financing model of which Haiti was known as one of the pioneers.
To improve my knowledge, I did have twice the opportunity to go to Harvard University
School of Public Health to learn respectively Policies and Health Sector Reform and then
Sustainable Financing and Decentralization.
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
After the January 12th, 2010, devastating earthquake in Haiti, I participated in many fora
organized by the international donors’ community as keynote speakers under USG
invitation.
In 2011, I agreed to continue to serve the Haitian people as Minister of Health with the
goal to revamp the Haitian health system from 2011 to 2016. Due to socio-political in Haiti in 2015 causing the resignation of the Prime Minister, she was officially nominated by the President as the Prime Minister was the First officially appointed Presidential Decree the 1st Acting Minister of Constitutional Affairs of the Republic of Haiti while retaining his position as Minister of Health. Her main responsibility was to keep the Government operational while pursuing negotiations for a newly appointed Prime Minister.
This step was successfully done and 2 months after, besides the President she installed a New Prime Minister and return to her preferred role of Minister for Health
During my tenure as Minister of Health, I received several local and international
distinctions and as examples, I could quote the Harvard Health Leader 2013 recognition
from Harvard School of Governors, the Certificate of Excellence in Public Health by
USAID Assistant administrator in Global Health, and another one from WHO for my
leadership in the elimination of polio, rubella, and measles in Haiti.
I served for 2 years as the Chair of PANCAP and COHSOD as well as a Member of the
Global Fund Board in Geneva representing the Latin American and Caribbean region
fighting against HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
Because of my capacity to listen, communicate, to take the road with people while
convincing them to modify direction and mindset, I can say that I have a good ability for
partners coordination, client satisfaction, team spirit motivation as well as conflict
resolution.
I graduated as Medical Doctor from the State University of Medicine and Pharmacy in
Haiti in 1987 and went to one year of social service where I started to get a taste of Public Health by living with the communities, learning from them, and I decided to launch an immunization community-based program with the objective to reach as much as children that I could. This was one success during this year. Having my License after the Diploma, I entered in pediatrics residency in October 1988 at the State University Hospital and because I wanted to participate to the HIV research, after 2 years, I obtained a degree in Pediatrics in 1990 and went to Cornell- GHESKIO, a well-recognized research pioneer in the fight against AIDS. During my experience at Cornell-GHESKIO, I had the opportunity to go to University of Michigan-School of Public Health obtaining my PROFESSIONAL EDUCATION degree in Epidemiology and Statistics.
In 1992, I came back to my pediatrics residency (while continuing in the research program) and get my Diploma in pediatrics as my 1st specialty. Then, I went to Harvard School of Public twice, in 2003 while working for USAID Project to obtain a degree in Health Sector Reform and Sustainable Financing, and in 2006 to obtain a degree in Decentralization and tools to make it works.
I took some other courses with certificates on Operations and Finances Management,
Essential Drugs Management, Quantification of HIV/AIDS using Quantimed from
Management Sciences for Health, and Clinical HIV Care and Treatment from AIDS
Health Foundation in Florida and JCRC in Uganda by Prof Peter Mugyenyi.
Last but not least, I decided to keep learning and I decided to take a post-graduate
course of Global Health Supply Chain Management and obtain a Diploma with
honors from Empower School of Health and Kent University of Geneva in June 2020.
GLOBAL HEALTH SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT (GHSC-PSM)
Country Director – Haïti July 2016 to date
Support U.S. government-funded global health activities by leading and managing the
Global Health Supply Chain program-Procurement Supply from forecast and
quantification, through procurement, warehousing, distribution, consumption data
analysis, and on-time replenishment until the last mile in consideration of multi months
dispensing and client-centered approaches supporting HIV/AIDS, Reproductive HealthFamily Planning and Maternal-Child Health program while providing related systemsstrengthening technical assistance encompassing all elements of a comprehensive supply chain to all USG supported institutions as well as the Ministry of Health.
MINISTERY OF PUBLIC HEALTH & POPULATION- Haiti
Minister of Public Health and Population October 2011 – March 2016
Ensure the Leadership and Governance of the Health sector by developing a National
Health Policy with a 25-year vision guiding a deep reform of the health system, define
the operational priorities with clear expected objectives, ensure the coordination among
national and international partners to identify sources of funding, monitor and evaluate
all actions to produce results. Ensure transparency in all actions by producing integrated
quarterly and annual statistical data reports in consideration of national and international
partners as well as the Ministry of Health for better coordination and decision making.
NATIONAL WORKING EXPERIENCE
OFFICE OF PRIME MINISTER
PRIME MINISTER AD INTERIM, Haiti December 2014 – January 2015
Keep the Government operational, ensure coordination of ministerial actions, ensure
good communication with all donors while pursuing negotiations for a new appointed
Prime Minister.
MANAGEMENT SCIENCES FOR HEALTH, Haiti January-May 2011
Chief of Party a.i and Technical Director
Represent the project and work with USAID, with the Government of Haiti, and the
Ministry of Health to discuss Project Health Strategies and ensure accuracy. Led and
develop full strategy and yearly scale plans and execution in collaboration with the
project technical team. Supervise technical staff of these components: Child Survival,
Reproductive Health, Family Planning, STI/HIV/AIDS, Human Capacity Development,
Community and mobilization health services, Behavior Change Communication,
monitoring and evaluation, Youth, Safe water, Corporate Social Responsibility,
Governance, and Decentralization. Ensure the Global Project Management
MANAGEMENT SCIENCES FOR HEALTH, Haïti March 2000- January 2011
Deputy Chief of Party and Technical Director successively of HS-2004 (Phase II), HS2007 and SDSH Projects.
Work with USAID and Ministry of Health to design Project Health Strategies and Assure
Projects Strategic Technical Planning Leadership will define Priority Health
interventions. Elaborate technical framework and guidelines for Partners to be supported
by projects. Follow up on Partners and Project technical staff performance while
evaluating their plans and taking corrective measures. Supervise technical staff of these
components: Child Survival, Reproductive Health, Family Planning, STI/HIV/AIDS,
Human Capacity Development, Community and mobilization health services, Behavior
Change Communication, monitoring and evaluation, Youth, Safe water, Corporate Social
Responsibility, Governance and Decentralization. Provide technical assistance to Public
and Private Partners to increase performance, quality of provided services, improve
organizational and management structure moving toward sustainability. Analyze and
negotiate new technical proposals received from partners before entering or renewing
contracts with the projects. Maintain excellent communication with USAID, other donors,
and foreign agencies working on health. Facilitate the development and maintenance of
harmonious relationships between MSH projects, donors, local government entities,
subcontractors, and local partners. Assist COP in its functions and act as Chief of Party
as needed.
MANAGEMENT SCIENCES FOR HEALTH, Haïti 1998-2000
Chief Field Operations
Assure coordination and follow-up of technical activities (private and public sector).
Lead meetings for making technical decisions. Maintain schedule and respect of financial
verification plans at institutions receiving USAID support through HS-2004 (Phase I).
Supervise financial analysts in charge of financial verification. Supervise health
infrastructure rehabilitation components. Work closely with Chief of Party in planning,
implementation of technical project activities as well as for the management of HS-2004
(Phase I). Assist Chief of Party in launching the new relationship with the public sector
and the harmonization of the public – private sector and USAID. Prepare unified technical
and strategic meetings for partners. Participate with other technical members in field
activities providing technical assistance to public and private health institutions and their
respective departmental directorates.
Prepare quarterly reports of HS-2004 Phase I
Project for USAID and partners.
MANAGEMENT SCIENCES FOR HEALTH, Haiti 1995-1998
Technical Coordinator
Set up the Office of Management Sciences for Health HS-2004 Phase I project, participate in the additional Human Resources recruitment. Lead the project administrative and technical launch and provide guidance before COP arrival in-country. When COP incountry, ensure coordination and follow-up of technical activities, provide answers to all correspondences, or demands of support asked by partners receiving financial and technical support from HS2004. Assure reception and follow-up of monthly technical and financial reports according to the contractual terms. Orientate and supervise financial analysts in charge of financial verification.
ORGANISATION MONDIALE DE LA SANTE_ORGANISATION
PANAMERICAINE DE LA SANTE
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
The World Health Organization vision and guiding principles popularized by the Pan
American Health Organization in Haiti have always guided our actions and, PAHO
technical advisors, in charge of priority health programs, have always participated in our
strategic and operational thinking and discussions even before becoming Minister of
Health.
As Minister, PAHO was our technical arm for the development of the National Health
Policy for over 25 years since the planning, during the multisectoral departmental
meetings, that culminated in the States-General of Health. The guiding principles,
namely Universality, Equity, Impartiality, Comprehensiveness, and Quality,
subsequently guided the 2012-2022 Health Master Plan resulting from the National
Health Policy, are aligned with WHO/PAHO ones, which provides also technical
assistance during its development.
PAHO was not only a technical assistance arm regarding Policy, guidelines, strategies,
and protocols but served as well as an implementing technical assistance partner
improving access to health services. As an example, the discussions that took place with
the Canadian Government and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA),
at the beginning of our mandate, to support MOH Maternal-Child Health emphasizing
the primary health care organization from communities to health institutions. We agreed
that PAHO would be excellent for its execution due to our common vision on health
accessibility and equity.
This « Manman ak ti moun in health » (Healthy Mother and
Newborn) project, was executed, monitored, and documented by PAHO and served as a
model during further exchanges with other donors arguing that no maternal mortality
and no neonatal death must occur during pregnancy until the post-partum period. He
inspired us to obtain another support from another United Nations Agency (UNFPA) in
setting up « Baby-Friendly » hospitals with the slogan « A mother cannot die giving birth
neither a newborn discovering life”. This slogan was quickly adopted, with good
communication campaign support, and memorized by all our maternal care providers.
Moreover, we did participate in all external cooperation meetings organized by PAHO
in Haiti, as well as by WHO when invited, justifying Dr. M. Chang’s request to lead the
66th General Assembly as Vice -President. We actively participated in the preparatory
work, the conduct of this assembly, reporting on the sessions, reviewing them with the
office of the Director-General, which inspired the Director-General closing remarks.
We are still taking part in PAHO strategic meetings decisions in Haiti under the
Leadesrhip of PAHO representatives.
UNFPA
We did work closely with UNFPA for their technical and financial support to the national
forecast and quantification exercise and their contribution making available the RH/FP
commodities in-country. When delivered in-country, products are stored at PAHO/
Warehouse (PROMESS) on behalf of the Ministry of Health.
On the other side, UNFPA did use as well the PAHO model when creating the SONU-B
(Obstetrical and Neonatal Basic Unit) or SONU-C (Obstetrical and Neonatal Chirurgical
Unit) with the Ministry of Health. Primary Health care was also supporting each of the
new SONU-B or SONU-C installed.
To fill the OBGYN gap in our regions, the
government of Canada supported financially the creation of Midwives school, with
Direct entry (after secondary school) for 4 years, and indirect entry (After completion of
nursing school) for 2 years. This reform was made again with technical assistance
provided by PAHO specifically discussing curriculum.
All of us were very pleased with the graduation of the 1st promotion of each entry.
UNICEF
Our collaboration was mainly focused on Child Health and Nutrition
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA_ USAID and CDC
We do have a good relationship as a partner and as a donor. We did have a very long
experience with them managing technically their health project from 1995 to date as my
related local working experiences. In addition to my assigned duties, I am participating
in all the meetings locally and internationally when developing strategies and
approaches supporting Haiti from the earthquake to today. Each year, I am deeply
involved in the Country Operational mechanism elaboration with the goal is to have
financial support to pursue the fight against HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis. Only 2 donors
are contributing to this fight, financially, Global Fund and USG/PEPFAR. I am also
served as presenter or moderator in Global Health Conference and regional meetings and
in HIV-AIDS international Global or Regional Conferences.
HARVARD –SCHOOL OF GOVERNORS, Boston MA June 2013
When nominated by the School of Governors as Team Leader 2013, I had the honor to
physically benefit from a mentoring session by experts of which some former presidents
from the United States of America and the Latin America region.
PANCAP 2012-2014
(Pan American and Caribbean Partnership against HIV/AIDS)
Chair of Executive Board
Lead meetings, review meetings reports, ensure follow-up of decisions made by the
secretariat et represents the organization in all HIV/AIDS international meetings.
RCMGF (Regional Coordination Mechanism for Global Fund Program) 2012-2014
Chair of Executive Board
Participate and lead regional meetings with the objective to improve coordination among
countries between and partners receiving Global Fund support, discussed challenges and
propose solutions by a participatory process, review meetings reports and ensure that all
decisions made were followed by concrete actions.
COHSOD (CARICOM Council for Human and Social Development) 2012-2014
Chair of Executive Board
Participate and lead CARICOM group promoting social and human development by all
the countries members, review the reports and ensure that all solicitations are considered
during international fora. This is a very good discussions platform to find solving
strategies for issues and challenges faced by each country.
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GLOBAL FUND BOARD -GENEVA 2012-2014
Board Member – Latin American and Caribbean Representative
Play an active role during the discussions analyzing the Global Fund audit findings
followed by the organizational Reform terminated by the recruitment of a new General
Inspector and a new General Director, Mr. M. Dybul.
AFGHANISTAN -Technical assistance 2003
After the war in Afghanistan, Management Sciences for Health and USAID chose my
humble person to participate in an assessment of the health system in Afghanistan which
will be used for a Health System Rebuilding Plan. During my stay in Kabul, the donor
community and the world Bank were organizing an international donors conference and
asked me to present the performance-based financing strategy (Concept, Methodology,
and lesson learned) of which Haiti was among the 5 implementing pioneers. Meetings
were also held with the Minister of Health and its staff to discuss implementation stages
in Afghanistan.
INTERNATIONAL CIVIL SOCIETY
I could not obscure the good relationship and support that I have with 3 medical
associations: The Foreign Haitian Medical Health Association (AMHE), the
Neighborhood Outreach Access to Health’s (NOAH), and the Haitian Nurse Association
in Florida. They were very supportive during my tenure as Minister of Health by coming
physically to provide health services, installing new health centers, and ensuring that all
their operations are following our primary health care vision. To encourage them, I am
participating in all events or annual conferences that are held in the United States most
often in New York and in Florida for the Nurses. Even after my tenure as Minister of
Health, the relationship is still maintained and, after hurricane Matthew in the South region, they brought their support alleviating the most in need.
