Smiling Haitian child receiving a health checkup with a stethoscope on La Gonave, Haiti.
Community Health

Health: Prevention, Care, and Clean Water for La Gonave

Improving health on La Gonave is essential to restoring dignity and hope for the island’s 100,000 residents. At Starfysh, we focus on preventive measures and essential care, recognizing that “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Our health initiatives emphasize community health education, improved sanitation, hygiene, and access to clean water to address the root causes of poor health.

Preventive Healthcare as the Cornerstone

Through our Community Health Education (CHE) model, we’ve reached more than 50% of La Gonave’s villages with vital lessons on hygiene, nutrition, and disease prevention. These efforts empower communities with knowledge and tools to improve their well-being and prevent illness.

In addition, Starfysh hosts medical and dental teams who conduct clinics in remote areas, addressing immediate health needs while building relationships with medical professionals who may become long-term partners in preventive health initiatives.

By investing in education and prevention, we aim to save lives, improve quality of life, and create lasting change for the people of La Gonave.

Community Health Education (CHE) session under a tree in a remote village on La Gonave, Haiti.
CHE sessions teach hygiene and disease prevention in remote villages.
Doctor providing care and comfort to an elderly Haitian woman in a health clinic on La Gonave.
Compassionate care for an elderly patient on La Gonave.
Haitian girl receiving a health checkup at a community clinic on La Gonave, Haiti.
A young girl receives care and hope at a community clinic.

Clean Water and Sanitation: Restoring Health and Hope

Contaminated water remains one of the most critical health challenges on La Gonave, causing widespread intestinal diseases, typhoid, and cholera—all preventable illnesses. Chronic diarrhea leads to high absenteeism in schools and reduced productivity on farms and in workplaces. Women and children often walk miles daily to collect water, spending hours each day on a task that could otherwise be spent farming or attending school.

Accessible, clean water also supports family gardens, extending the growing season and boosting food production, which is critical during La Gonave’s dry season.

Water splash on a white background, symbolizing clean and accessible water for health and agriculture.

Household Latrines: Dignity and Health

Family latrines provide significant health benefits and enhance dignity. Our vision is to achieve 100% household latrine coverage across La Gonave, one village at a time. In 2025, we will continue working toward this goal, celebrating with villages as they reach 100% coverage.

Haitian man demonstrating proper handwashing techniques with clean water on La Gonave.
Teaching proper handwashing to promote clean water hygiene.
Household latrine under construction to improve sanitation and hygiene on La Gonave, Haiti.
Latrines improve hygiene and restore dignity for families.

Community Health Strategies

To improve water access and sanitation on La Gonave, Starfysh focuses on these key initiatives:

  • Purifying Water: Installing filtration systems and educating communities on safe water practices.
  • Rainwater Harvesting: Promoting sustainable methods for capturing and storing rainwater.
  • Wells: Providing clean water access in underserved villages.
  • Household Latrines: Equipping villages for 100% household latrine coverage.
Father and two children standing next to a biosand water filter in their home on La Gonave, Haiti.
A family stands proudly with their new biosand water filter, providing clean, safe water.
Group of biosand water filters and supply kits ready for distribution in a Haitian village on La Gonave.
Biosand filters ready to provide safe drinking water.

Join Us in Transforming Lives

Starfysh is more than a movement—it’s a mission to restore dignity and hope through access to clean water and improved sanitation. With your support, we can provide these critical services, build a healthier future, and create lasting change for the people of La Gonave.

💧 Donate Today to be part of this transformative journey.

Healing La Gonave: Health Initiatives and Insights