Haitians delivering healthcare to Haitians

April 2010

A critical component of the response to the earthquake in Haiti, including its health consequences, has been the Haitian people themselves. The following story describes different types of services that have been set up by and for the Haitian people.

Mobile clinics and temporary clinics have been opened. Despite a lack of resources and medical supplies these clinics are handling a wide range of health conditions, from tending to physical wounds and providing rehabilitation to treating chronic, pre-existing conditions.

Services are also helping people deal with the mental scars caused by the tragedy. An example is temporary schools that help children discuss their experiences during the earthquake and is one of the first steps in regaining a routine and a sense of normality.

WHO and PAHO are supporting these efforts in multiple ways, such as providing medical supplies to Haitian healthcare providers and coordinating the international health response.

Source: WHO Release News