Where We Work
La Frontera
The remote border region between the Dominican Republic and Haiti, where the need is greatest and help is scarce.
The Dominican Republic and Haiti share a 224-mile border on the island of Hispaniola, where the DR occupies the eastern two-thirds and Haiti the western third. The border region of the two countries is especially poor. Being remotely located, this region is underserved by national governments that lack the resources needed to assist all people equitably. At times La Frontera, as the border region is sometimes called, seems to have been abandoned by the outside world.
The healthcare needs there are staggering. Few health services are available, and those that exist are underfunded and overwhelmed. Basic services that affect community health, such as sanitation and potable water, are unavailable to large portions of the population.
The region · Haiti
Haiti
Haiti is the poorest country in the western hemisphere and one of the very poorest in the world, with an estimated per capita nominal GDP of $3,000 per year. The majority of its 11 million people live on just a few dollars per day.
Access to basic healthcare is not available to most people. Thirty percent of the population is under the age of fifteen, and fifty percent of children are unvaccinated. Communicable diseases are a major public health challenge. Cholera, tuberculosis, malaria, and dengue are prevalent.
The region · Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic
The Dominican Republic has a population of 11 million people. The country's economy has improved over the past few years, but it remains one of the poorer countries in the world with a per capita nominal GDP of $12,000 per year.
Limited access in rural areas to potable water and proper sanitation leads to diarrheal disease and small outbreaks of cholera. Mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue and malaria are consistent health threats.
This is the region the Cheerful Heart Mission serves — working in the communities between Loma de Cabrera, DR, and Tilori, Haiti.
See the work this makes possible
Our programs in health, education, and economic development are built around the needs of this region.