Partners respond quickly to Haiti earthquake
Partners' actions - Haiti
21 JANUARY 2010 - The horrific earthquake which struck Haiti on 12 January not only caused wide spread devastation, it also left many of the most vulnerable members of society without access to much needed food, water and medication. Partners have warned that many of those hardest hit are pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and young children. Many PMNCH partners have responded quickly and are on the ground in Haiti. They have launched relief aid and campaigns to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable women, children and babies.
Below, find highlights from work being done by PMNCH partners. As well, on the right, find a link to a page which highlights some campaigns launched by members for Haiti relief action which give you the chance to donate to these efforts.
CARE International
CARE has warned that some of the most vulnerable populations are pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and young children. They estimate some 37,000 pregnant women among the affected population are in urgent need of medical care, safe drinking water and food. CARE have established three hospitals and is distributing an eight-day supply of water purification packets to 12,000 people. The distributions target women and children, who are susceptible to water-borne illness such as diarrhea.
World Health Organization (WHO)
The WHO has provided a public health risk assessment for Haitito provide health professionals in United Nations agencies, nongovernmental organizations, donor agencies and local authorities currently working with populations affected by the post-earthquake emergency, with up-to-date technical guidance on the major public health threats faced by the earthquake-affected population. Public health threats represent a significant challenge to those providing health-care services in this evolving situation. It is hoped that this risk assessment will facilitate the coordination of activities between all agencies working among the populations currently affected by the crisis. To date, the main concerns for health providers include the overwhelming needs in terms of emergency surgery, treatment of wounds and tetanus prevention.
One Campaign
The One Campaign has launched a petition calling for the immediate cancellation of Haiti's $1 billion debt and ensure that any emergency earthquake assistance is provided in the form of grants, not debt-incurring loans. " The current outpouring of support is encouraging, and now we need to cancel Haiti’s debt so the country can start its recovery without the burden of debts it won’t be able to pay. In addition we must be vigilant that new aid doesn’t come in the form of loans that would create new debt for Haiti."
CIDA (Canadian International Development Agency)
The Honourable Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, announced that Canada would donate an additional $80 million in assistance for Haiti. The announcement brings Canada's total response to a potential $135 million. Priorities for the Canadian funding include the provision of water and sanitation, medical treatment, emergency food, shelter, and protection for the vulnerable. "Millions of people are struggling to overcome the impacts of the devastating earthquake in Haiti. Through its contributions to vital United Nations partners such as the World Food Programme and UNICEF, the IFRC, and NGO partners, our government will help support Haitians as they rebuild their lives and communities," said Minister Oda.
Global Health Council
Save the Children delivering aid in Haiti
Save the Children's emergency response teams have been delivering food, water and household kits, which include essential items such as cooking pans and blankets. They are also continuing to distribute life-saving medical supplies. Save the Children’s emergency response teams are also working on solutions which will benefit the victims in the long run.
USAID
USAID's have been quick to respond to the needs of the Haitian people. A host of key commodities have been delivered, some of which include water, fuel, food, and medicine. In addition, medical personnel have also been treating patients at hospitals. The most common medical conditions being treated are traumatic injuries and exacerbations of chronic disease.
UNICEF
UNICEF has also been instrumental in delivering key commodities to the victims of the earthquake. To date, three planeloads of UNICEF supplies have landed in Haiti, and more supplies are planned. Key UNICEF provisions are clean drinking water, shelter materials, nutrition kits, essential medicines and sanitation supplies.
SOGC
The SOGC has launched a Mothers and Newborns of Haiti Donation Campaign, as part of its Earthquake Relief Initiative, in order to quickly reestablish and expand services at the maternity unit of Croix-des-Bouquets Health Center and to assist our partners at la Société haïtienne d’obstétrique et de gynécologie to continue providing maternal and infant health services to women in Haiti. Visit the SOGC website to learn more about SOGC’s Earthquake Relief Initiative and to watch the Mothers and Newborns of Haiti video.
UNFPA
14 JANUARY 2010 | UNITED NATIONS - UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund, is working as part of the coordinated United Nations response and with other partners to provide urgent humanitarian assistance to those who have been affected by the devastating earthquake in Haiti.