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| The Ofatma Hospital in Les Cayes. Earthquake victims are cared for on the porch due to cracks in the internal walls. Photo Fernando Liano. |
Dr. MichaelViola, Director of MFP, stated, “Although we are relieved that Medicine For
Peace personnel and facilities in Gros Morne were unharmed in the earthquake, we
are deeply concerned about residents in the Les Cayes region. We are closely
monitoring recovery efforts and are providing support to colleagues caring for
survivors.”
Multiple overlapping crises are complicating efforts to rapidly
provide relief to the region. Within days of the earthquake, Tropical Storm
Grace pelted the area with heavy rains causing mudslides and road closures. Of
further concern, heavily armed gangs have blocked convoys of relief supplies
from reaching the affected area, abducted relief workers, and demanded ransom.
Moreover, President Jovenel Moise’s recent assassination has left an ineffective
interim government in place. However, corrupt politicians and street gangs do
not reflect the Haitian people who display inordinate courage during times of
disaster.
Despite the painfully slow mobilization of international and
Haitian-based relief efforts, injured patients are being treated by local
medical groups, field hospitals have been opened to care for trauma victims,
food and water have been delivered, and sturdy tents have arrived to protect
displaced residents from harsh rains.
At the same time, Haiti is experiencing a
surge in COVID-19 cases and coronavirus-related deaths. One hopeful note: Haiti
recently received 500,000 doses of Moderna COVID-19 vaccine and rapidly
established distribution centers throughout the country. We are pleased to
announce that on August 10, Alma Mater Hospital in Gros Morne initiated its
vaccination program.
Michael Viola, MD
MFP Medicine For Peace
medforpeace@aol.com
medicineforpeace.org
