Since the now well-known massive earthquake hit Haiti more than 2 months ago, ActionAid has been working vigilantly to support the people most affected by this event.  

ActionAid has divided its efforts into Food distribution, supplying immediate shelter, hygiene essentials and health and psychological support.  

They are focusing on the Mariani area of Port-au-Prince, as well as providing support in Philippeau (south-west) and Jacmel (south-east) through their partner organisation CROSE. 

ActionAid has reported that they have managed to supply 14, 400 people with foodstuffs, the supplies are delivered in 15 day cycles to families or groups.  Each package contains high protein food that will keep for longer periods, flour, rice, sugar and various other supplies designed to deliver key vitamins and nutrients.  

1,000 hygiene kits have been given out and supply people with things such as soap, toothpaste and even plastic bowls.  While tarpaulins have served as a short-term solution to the larger problem of shelter for hundreds of people in an attempt to keep as many as possible out of the elements while longer-term solutions are devised. 

ActionAid has linked up with a group of 10 Haitian doctors who have been working in five out of the six camps in Mariani.  Over a thousand people have received help from these professionals, both physiological and psychological.  ActionAid has delivered a group of volunteers who are assisting with victims of trauma, helping people form committees and rebuild their community connections.  

This is all part of ActionAid’s 3 year earthquake rehabilitation programme.  It is important to maintain commitment to helping communities who have suffered such a disaster long after the media spotlight has left to shine elsewhere.  It is this continued support that ActionAid supplies, favouring long-term solutions that recreate autonomy in a community rather than a quick imposition of structure that may well clash with community ideals and populations.

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