Bonn, Germany, 14 January 2010. Extensive aid measures of the member organisations of relief organisation Aktion Deutschland Hilft have begun for the victims of the earthquake in Haiti. World Vision is distributing first-aid kits, clothing, blankets and water bottles. Handicap International is also preparing to distribute food and has strengthened its team with logisticians and physiotherapists. "The poorest of the poor have been affected and the children in particular are suffering from the catastrophe." It was still school time as the earthquake struck; therefore many children are now searching for their parents. We are caring for these children," reports Harry Donsbach from World Vision, management board of Aktion Deutschland Hilft.
The only functional hospital in Port au Prince is the Adventist Hospital of Haiti of the member organisation ADRA. Colleagues from Haiti are reporting that the hospital is completely full and that there is not enough medication.
Together with action medeor, HELP is on the way to Haiti with a health kit containing medication. Additionally, a two-person team of the organisation and assessment teams from ASB and the Johanniter are also on the way to determine which assistance is the most urgent in Haiti. A medical team of the Malteser organisation is also on its way and will tend to the supply of emergency medical care for the victims of the earthquake.
Today, World Vision is sending out two pilots from the United States with medical aid which contains plastic sheets, tents, blankets, water containers and cooking sets. The medical aid has been able to be sent out quickly as it was actually meant for the forthcoming floods in this geographical area.