Red Cross responds to Sandy aftermath in Haiti
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Volunteers spreading health and hygiene messages into communities across Haiti. | |
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"This is the second time Haiti has been hit this year and we are once again responding to peoples’ needs, working before, during and after both storms to help to prepare and recover," says Dr. Jean Pierre Guiteau, executive director of the Haitian Red Cross Society. "The needs are great and we are working in communities across the affected areas to help people get back on their feet."
Activities of the Haitian Red Cross society include the evacuation of camps, deploying 38 psychosocial support volunteers, and supporting emergency shelter management. In addition, volunteers are visiting communities affected by Sandy and spreading hygiene messages, like the importance of washing hands and using treated water. These messages are also being broadcast through SMS, by sound truck and through an interactive voice response system.
Given the poor quality of water and sanitation in the region, there is a potential risk of disease outbreaks. As a result, in addition to increasing hygiene promotion activities, Aquatabs, tarps, blankets and hygiene kits have been distributed are continuing to be distributed to reach 2,800 families.
Cholera is also on the rise in the areas most affected by Sandy and a cholera treatment centre has been set up in Port-à-Piment. To date, the Canadian Red Cross has distributed 500 cholera kits and has provided support to assessment teams with staff, logistics, vehicles and distribution materials.
The Canadian Red Cross is standing by with specialized equipment and highly trained personnel, ready to assist if help is requested. Canadians wishing to support Red Cross emergency relief operations are encouraged to donate to the Hurricanes 2012 fund.
