Since July 20, investigators roam the neighborhood of Martissant, questionnaires in hand, to gather information on the use of medicinal plants in the neighborhood. At the initiative of the French NGO "Pain without Borders' (DSF) this survey seeks to learn more about traditional practices to appease the pain with "medsin fèy" (leaf medicine).

Recall that in countries where conventional health systems are not performing and/or accessible, the "leaf medicine" is the first resort of the patient. This medicine has many advantages for patients and can be a good supplement see in some cases a good alternative, especially in the treatment of pain, sometimes overlooked area by conventional medicine.

In Haiti, informational, non-geographic and economic accessibility to modern health care, as well as socio-cultural attitudes, are all factors that make a majority of the population uses medicinal plants for treatment.

DSF and FOKAL (Fondasyon konesans ak libète), as part of a support for the pain unit of the Hospital of the State University of Haiti (HUEH), eyond conventional management of pain patients, are among others interested in the management of pain by the Haitian family medicine namely the traditional means used for treatment. It is necessary to find out whether in Haiti, among the plants used against pain (headaches, fractures, rheumatism...), some may be developed for a truly effective relief.

The objective of the survey aims to determine the knowledge, skills and practices of families with regard to management of symptoms and/or painful pathologies by plants and propose alternatives to conventional drugs for the prevention, alleviation or even treatment of pain.

HL/ HaitiLibre