Fact Sheets of the PAHO/WHO Tecnhical Cooperation in Haiti, 2010-2011

Abstract

Haiti, along with Bolivia, Guyana, Honduras, and Nicaragua, is one of the five priority countries of Pan American Health Organization-Regional Office for the Americas of the World Health Organization (PAHO/WHO). PAHO Director, Dr. Mirta Roses Periago is a member of the Regional United Nations Development Group Team for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNDG LAC), which continues to consider Haiti as a priority on its agenda. PAHO/WHO also participates actively in the "Group of Friends of Haiti" created by the Organization of American States (OAS). In the aftermath of the earthquake which struck Haiti on January 12, 2010, PAHO/WHO responded immediately and was operational within three days. Critical information was gathered through the PAHO/WHO Emergency Operations Center (EOC). This facilitated the coordination of logistics and humanitarian aid efforts. The PAHO/WHO Country Office was partially damaged and the PAHO/WHO team was relocated to PROMESS premises to continue operations. PROMESS, the National Center for the Supply of Essential Medicines managed by PAHO/WHO, is located near the Portau-Prince airport and has played a key role in the timely distribution of medical supplies and essential medicines throughout the recovery period. PAHO Director, Dr. Roses, traveled to Haiti and the Dominican Republic within 10 days of the earthquake to hold high level meetings with Haitian authorities and other relevant partners...