In the remote rural community of Petit-Bourg du Borgne, about 70 kilometers from Cap-Haïtien in northern Haiti, stands Saint Jules Medical Clinic—a small but vital health center serving one of the country’s most underserved regions. With no public services nearby, the clinic is often the only place women can turn to for safe childbirth and essential healthcare.
Promoted by the parish priest of the local parish and belonging to the Archdiocese of Cap-Haïtien, Saint Jules Clinic provides gynecological and obstetric care to more than 15,000 women. The facility operates 24 hours a day, with a maternity ward that includes 10 rooms and 8 beds—five for maternity care and three for first aid. A dedicated team of 9 doctors, 10 nurses, and support staff ensure that every mother and child receives compassionate, lifesaving care.
A Clinic in the Dark
For years, Saint Jules Medical Clinic faced one of the most daunting challenges imaginable for a healthcare facility: the absence of reliable electricity.
The parish priest, Fr. Snell, explains:
“For two years now, we have had a delivery room at Saint Jules Clinic. But many times, births have taken place by the light of a cell phone or a candle. Sometimes we go several days without electricity. Despite everything, we continue to welcome pregnant women and patients. One of the particularities of my country, Haiti, is instability.”
This instability has only worsened with a prolonged fuel crisis. For over four years, Haiti has faced severe fuel shortages, as reserves are held in Port-au-Prince, where armed groups often block tankers from reaching other parts of the country. The rising cost of fuel, coupled with its scarcity, has crippled the ability of hospitals and clinics to operate safely and consistently.
“The repeated energy crisis has a negative impact on the functioning and quality of the medical services we want to offer,” Father Snell shared. “We simply did not have a renewable energy electricity system.”
A Bright Solution
How Renewable Energy Transformed Saint Jules Medical Clinic. Thanks to the determination of the parish and the generosity of supporters, this dire situation has changed. Technicians and electricians conducted a full assessment of the clinic’s energy needs, designing a renewable power system capable of supplying continuous electricity to the Maternity Department.
In 2025, thanks to the generosity of St. Anthony’s followers and devotees, Saint Jules Clinic of Haiti received a $21,563 grant that allowed for the purchasing and installation of: Solar panels, An inverter system, Three lithium batteries, and Wiring and accessories for complete installation
After several inspections and testing, Saint Jules Clinic now has a fully operational solar-powered electrical system—providing clean, reliable energy day and night.
The Impact: Light, Safety, and Hope
This renewable energy system has already transformed the clinic’s operations:
Safe Deliveries: Mothers will no longer give birth in darkness. Every childbirth can now take place with proper lighting and functioning medical equipment.
Sustainability: The clinic has achieved energy autonomy, drastically reducing dependence on expensive and unreliable fuel.
Improved Healthcare: Funds once used for fuel can now be directed toward essential medicines and medical supplies, strengthening the clinic’s pharmacy.
Environmental Benefit: The switch to solar power reduces harmful carbon monoxide emissions, contributing to a healthier community and cleaner environment.
Preservation of Medicines: With continuous electricity, the clinic’s refrigerator can safely store vaccines and temperature-sensitive medications—a major step forward in preventive care.
A Brighter Future
Today, thanks to the generosity of St Anthony’s faithful donors and the resilience of the Saint Jules community, light fills the clinic’s maternity ward. What was once a place of uncertainty is now a place of safety, dignity, and hope! At Saint Jules Medical Clinic, every birth is now illuminated—not only by light, but by love, faith, and the generosity of those who believe in the power of hope.