BRIDGES

Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, with the lowest government expenditures on health care. Although prevalence data are few, hypertension is reported in greater than two-thirds of adults over age 40. Poverty, lack of education, political instability, and lack of resources all contribute to an excess burden of chronic illness.  We propose to develop a diabetes treatment program which will deliver the three most cost effective interventions in developing countries: glycemic control in poorly controlled patients, blood pressure control, and foot care in high-risk individuals. Culturally appropriate educational materials will be developed and made widely available to the community.