Hurricane Matthew was the most severe storm to hit Haiti since 1966, dumping massive amounts of rain accompanied by fierce winds. The storm caused not only acute illness and injury, but also flash floods, mudslides, and loss of infrastructure, as well as exacerbated the threat of cholera. Partners In Health and our Haitian sister organization, Zanmi Lasante, continue to be on the ground responding with health care and social support for those in need now and for the long-term.
Hurricane Matthew brought historic rains, mudslides, and flash floods to Haiti, endangering people who are already living with very little. Subsequent water and food insecurity coupled with loss of infrastructure has exacerbated what is already one of the world's most devastating cholera epidemic and other chronic health issues in Haiti.
Partners In Health continues to respond to the long-term effects of Hurricane Matthew, namely malnutrition, caused by the devastation to crops and livestock, and cholera, caused by intense flooding and standing water. We screen and treat kids at our malnutrition clinics, which have a 95% cure rate, and treat patients for cholera as well as conduct vaccination campaigns and cholera prevention programs at schools and churches.
Partners In Health is providing lifesaving care across our 12 sites including our malnutrition clinics and cholera treatment centers, reducing tragedy and devastating long-term impact for families in Haiti. In addition to medical care, PIH will increase social and economic support programs, as the effects of Hurricane Matthew exacerbate chronic problems like homelessness, loss of crops, malnutrition, water-born illness, impassible roads, and cholera.
