Haiti Update

Jan 27, 2010

The following news is provided courtesy of Health Volunteers Overseas:

As two weeks have now passed since the earthquake in Haiti, we wanted to provide you with an update.  The situation has now moved from the immediate aftermath of basic survival to one of trying to establish areas of returning to daily necessities of life.  Many people have left Port-au-Prince in hopes of finding life a bit easier in more rural areas and many others are now being moved into camps. This is a crucial phase, as the close living often leads to disease outbreaks, infections, etc. 

In the midst of these critical stages, planning is already beginning to address the long-term issues of reconstruction and building the country's health infrastructure.  HVO has been in touch with several well-established organizations on the ground in Haiti.  They have indicated some very specific requests for expertise, both in terms of medical skills and language skills, and we are working to address those needs.  At this point, however, we are not issuing a general call for assistance.  As our colleagues at the American College of Surgeons wrote:

"..the situation on the ground in Haiti is chaotic because of the lack of infrastructure, scarce resources, compromised supply chain logistics, difficult coordination, limited communications, security concerns, and so on.  Please note that if you are considering responding to the need for surgeons, you should be part of an established, well-organized team with ties on the ground and a means of ensuring adequate supplies, security, food and water, and other important necessities. Having prior experience in disaster response or other austere environments is a tremendous asset. At a minimum, we strongly recommend that you educate and prepare yourself in advance of any deployment in order to ensure your own safety as well as that of the individuals who will be working with you."

As many of you are aware, the situation in Haiti is rather unique in the level of devastation, since so much of the government's infrastructure, as well as many of the leaders in Haiti's development, were lost.  There will be monumental needs in Haiti for many years to come and, long after the media attention shifts, the work of rebuilding will continue. 

HVO will continue to look for ways to be involved with Haiti as it moves closer to the reconstruction phase.  In the meantime, we urge you to support the immediate needs through donations to organizations assisting in the relief efforts.  A list of such organizations is available through InterAction or you can make a contribution through Global Impact's Haiti Earthquake Relief Fund and the funds will be given to agencies providing assistance.

Thank you for your concern and commitment,

Sincerely,
Nancy Kelly, MHS
Executive Director
 
 

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