Dear Friend,
Today marks the one month anniversary of the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti. As I committed, I'm reporting back to you on MSF's activities that so many people – relief workers and donors alike – have contributed to.
As of the writing of this email, our response teams have:
- established medical services in over 20 hospitals, mobile clinics and other health facilities in and around Port-au-Prince
- provided emergency medical care to 18,218 people
- performed 1,986 surgeries
- delivered 1,400 tonnes of relief materials
- mobilized 1,450 Haitian staff and 350 international staff
MSF’s emergency wards are still treating a large number of patients. While surgery continues to be a priority and the operating theatres remain very busy, the nature and condition of injuries are gradually changing. Staff are seeing fewer wounds directly caused by the earthquake, while indirect consequences on people’s health, such as diarrhea, tetanus and physical symptoms of mental trauma, are becoming more common.
We are also now moving to restore some of the care MSF was providing prior to last month's disaster, including treatment for patients with chronic conditions, those needing antiretroviral treatment and emergency obstetric care. The gaps in the country's healthcare provision before the earthquake meant that MSF's emergency facilities were always busy. The disruption of so much of the most basic medical care means that alongside the continuing care for injuries from the quake there is also an influx of every kind of patient..
I hope you were able to follow the first-hand reports on the blog of our communications advisor for operations, Isabelle Jeanson, who joined the MSF emergency response team 48 hours after the earthquake struck. She has now returned to Canada, but you can read her most recent entry, as well as find out about upcoming blogs by MSF staff in Haiti, by clicking here.
The past month has been devastating for the people of Haiti. But it has also been a month of resolve and hope, as Haitians have found ways to survive under the most difficult circumstances. Thanks to your support, MSF’s response to the catastrophe has helped survivors and we will continue to respond to the emerging medical needs of the population.
You can continue to follow MSF’s work in Haiti and share it with your networks on Facebook and Twitter.
Thank you again for your support and solidarity. Please check our website for the latest information on MSF's emergency response in Haiti and in other parts of the world.
Marilyn McHarg
General Director, MSF Canada
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