Loune Viaud

Ms. Viaud’s journey in public health and human rights advocacy began in Haiti, where she was instrumental in launching the country’s first women’s health center, Proje Sante Fanm, in 1990. This pioneering initiative laid the foundation for women’s healthcare in central Haiti, offering services and training programs that emphasized reproductive health, literacy, and empowerment.

Loune’s leadership extended beyond clinical services; she also developed literacy projects and scholarship programs for girls, empowering women to claim their right to quality healthcare and education. Her holistic approach to healthcare, centered on human rights and community involvement, gained international recognition, especially as she advocated for health, access to medicine, and clean water as basic human rights.

Viaud’s dedication to addressing the healthcare needs of Haiti’s most vulnerable became especially critical following the devastating earthquake in 2010. In the immediate aftermath of the disaster, she worked tirelessly to provide healthcare to those affected, and her efforts included the establishment of a children’s shelter, Zanmi Beni, for orphaned and abandoned children, many of whom were disabled. Loune’s commitment to these children extended beyond their immediate care—she ensured that the shelter became a home where they could thrive, receiving education, healthcare, and emotional support.

In 2017, Loune Viaud took on the role of Executive Director at Zanmi Lasante, PIH’s affiliate in Haiti. Under her leadership, the organization grew to serve over 4 million people, providing high-quality primary care to some of the most underserved populations in Haiti. Zanmi Lasante became a beacon of hope in a country long plagued by socio-economic and political challenges. Loune’s approach—combining healthcare delivery with community-based solutions and advocacy for policy reform—has made her a pivotal figure in the broader struggle for health equity.

Appointed Chief Gender and Social Equity Officer at Partners in Health in 2021, Loune Viaud continues to champion the rights of marginalized communities. In this capacity, she oversees initiatives aimed at addressing gender-based disparities in health outcomes, while promoting the economic and social support systems needed to improve the well-being of women and children.

“Focusing on the challenges faced by women, children, and some of the poorest members of our communities around the world promises to take PIH’s care to the next level. I’m so excited to be doing this vital work.”

Loune’s impact on public health is far-reaching, extending beyond the borders of Haiti. Her work with Partners in Health has influenced global discussions on healthcare delivery in low-resource settings, demonstrating that effective, rights-based healthcare is possible, even in the most challenging environments. She has testified before the U.S. Congress and the United Nations, urging global leaders to address the structural inequities that have perpetuated poverty and poor health outcomes in Haiti.

In addition to her operational and strategic roles, she has played a crucial part in securing major grants for Haiti’s healthcare system, including a $67 million grant from the Global Fund for AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria. This grant, largely due to Loune’s expertise in drafting proposals and navigating international aid structures, helped establish one of the largest AIDS treatment programs in the world.

Loune Viaud’s legacy continues to grow as she leads Partners in Health’s gender and social equity initiatives. Her work is a testament to the power of compassion, vision, and resilience, proving that even in the face of immense challenges, progress is possible. Today, as she champions the rights of women and children across the globe, Loune remains deeply rooted in her commitment to Haiti’s future, ensuring that the country’s most vulnerable populations receive the care and support they need to thrive.