A huge earthquake struck Haiti in January 2010. Back in 2008, it was hit 3 times by devastating hurricanes. This small island, the poorest and least developed country in the Caribbean has bore the brunt of many major disasters.
Read about MdM's action to help the victims of the crisis.
Why we are taking action
Because of the strong need and weak local healthcare structures' capacity to prepare for and manage catastrophes, MdM UK IS DEVELOPING A Disaster Risk Reduction project in Haiti to help reduce the continuously rising death toll which follows natural disasters.
We will be acting in line with the UN Millenium Development Goals in an area where there is a strong need due to the lack of international NGOs doing health centred Disaster Risk Reduction.
What we will be doing
We aim at reducing the health vulnerability of population in the Grande Anse region by increasing the community's capacity to prepare for and better respond to natural disasters.
WE WILL EXAMINE THE FEASIBILITY OF THE FOLLOWING:
- Mobilise community networks in order to have a community based early warning system; radio campaigns; production of information materials about the prevention of epidemics in emergencies
- Work with WHO and provide training on disease surveillance
- Develop a medical referral system for secondary health care in emergency times
- Deliver first aid training
- Train health personnel on diseases with epidemic potential
- Pre-position essential drugs and medical materials (emergency kits) at accessible locations
- Provide and train on the use of protective gear for medicines and medical equipment