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Haitians Seek Medical Help From US Navy Ship Amid Protests

Associated Press

   PORT-AU-PRINCE, HAITI - Hundreds of Haitians with health problems
   ranging from diabetes to bullet injuries lined up Friday hoping to be
   seen by a staff member aboard the USNS Comfort, which docked in
   Port-au-Prince this week for its last stop of a five-month medical
   mission.
   The U.S. Navy's floating hospital has visited Haiti six times in the
   past decade. The latest mission comes at a critical moment, when
   violent demonstrations and street barricades have caused several
   hospitals across the country to run out of medical supplies. Some have
   been forced to closetemporarily as protesters keep demanding the
   resignation of PresidentJovenelMoise.
   Among those awaiting free medical care was Miga Alfred, 33, whose
   3-month-old daughter has hydrocephaly. The two live in the southern
   coastal town ofJacmeland had been traveling since 4 a.m.
   ``Hopefully, my baby will be treated,'' Alfred said as she breastfed
   her only child.

   Waiting in line
   Others were not as lucky. Waiting outside in a line of more than 100
   people was MarioBrega, 35, who said he has prostate cancer. It was the
   second time this week that he stood in line, having traveled more than
   six hours by bus from the southwest town of Cavaillon.
   ``This has been costing me money, and I'm not sure I'm going to get to
   see a doctor,'' he said as police kept telling him to get back into
   line, where some huddled under umbrellas while others placed towels on
   their heads to protect themselves from the harsh sun.

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