MAP International, a global health organization based in Brunswick, is sending critical medicines and relief items to Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake that struck the country on Saturday, August 14.

The 7.2-magnitude earthquake devastated homes, churches, and schools, leaving at least 1,419 people confirmed dead and an unknown number still missing. Southwestern Haiti was hit the hardest, particularly near the coastal town of Les Cayes. According to BBC, the quake rendered 30,000 families homeless, and hospitals are overwhelmed and struggling to treat the estimated 6,000 injured victims.

In the wake of this disaster, MAP is working with partners on the ground to provide disaster relief to survivors and their families. As Tropical Depression Grace dumps rain on search and rescue crews and the thousands of people without shelter, the risks of water-borne diseases and landslides increase.

Forty-one pallets of medicines, supplies, water filters, and personal protective equipment (PPE) will be shipped this week from MAP International to Haiti, containing vital supplies for the survivors who are now homeless and without basic necessities like potable water.

MAP has an Interagency Emergency Health Kit (IEHK) enroute to Haiti. The IEHK, containing essential supplies like antibiotics, pain relievers, antiseptics, PPE and bandages, is scheduled to arrive in Haiti next week. This IEHK from MAP contains enough medicines and health supplies to serve 10,000 people for 90 days.

Through advanced prepositioning efforts, MAP shipped Disaster Health Kits (DHKs) to be placed in disaster prone geographical areas. These prepositioned DHKs, containing first aid kits and hygiene items, have been deployed in Haiti to provide immediate aid the survivors of the earthquake.

MAP International has a long history of sending humanitarian aid to Haiti. In addition to their special responses to natural disasters – the earthquake in 2010, Hurricane Matthew in 2016, the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as a recent special shipment of medications used to treat lung cancer, MAP also sends regular donations to three primary partners in the country. All of these organizations have partnered with MAP for at least a decade, working together to bring hope and health to the people of Haiti.

“MAP has been supporting our partners in Haiti for long enough to know that the Haitian people are strong, and they are resilient,” says Jason Elliott, MAP’s Director of Disaster Relief. “Our hearts break to see the destruction that this earthquake has brought on their country, and MAP is moving quickly to send aid. Our prayers are with the survivors as they face the incredible task of rebuilding once again.”

Donations to MAP International’s relief fund will support its response to the crisis. To make a donation, visit: https://www.map.org/?form=FUNHKWUUWGD

Copyright © acrofan All Right Reserved