In the News
Haiti slowly recovers
HAS prepares for increase in patients; assesses recovery efforts
Haiti is recovering slowly from the devastating tropical storms which hit the country in late August and September. According to the United Nation's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the affected population is around 850,000; there were 423 deaths; and approximately 111,000 displaced individuals are living in shelters.
Throughout the storms, Hôpital Albert Schweitzer (HAS) continued to run at full strength due in part to the efforts of the dedicated staff. While not a “disaster relief” agency, HAS assisted its neighbors and treated some patients from Gonaives, a costal city which was devastated by floodings.
The real impact of the tropical storms will manifest itself over the next month as the situation will exacerbate chronic illnesses, including TB, HIV/AIDS and acute complications of floods like pneumonia, meningitis and malaria. The most lingering impact will be the increase of malnutrition among the children and adults.
The community health workers are limited in their ability to travel throughout the mountainous region, however every effort is being made to determine the health status of the region. In addition, the community development department personnel will conduct an assessment of the wells and other projects to determine priority for recovery.
A few of the 111,000 dislocated families
HAS continues to run on its “essential energy plan” to conserve generator fuel. The bridge at Montrouis, located on the country's highway system between the capital, Port-au-Prince, and HAS, is limited to pedestrian traffic. HAS staff and volunteers now are able to travel between the cities by walking across the bridge and using the HAS vehicles which are on either side. Alternate truck delivery routes from other cities are being planned, but in the meantime large, heavy shipments are difficult to get to Deschapelles.
A much needed supply of fuel for the generator was delivered due to the efforts of Esnel Cene, materials manager. He convinced the company to drive the delivery truck through a swollen river bed. Mr. Cene continues to monitor the supply of fuel and other medically necessary supplies such as oxygen, and he works with the companies to find alternate routes for delivery.
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