Inevitably, after a disaster of such proportions as we have witnessed in Haiti, there is a growing threat to the survivors.

With a country already exposed to a range of diseases and lacking good health infrastructure before the quake, an event like this can lead to an outbreak of many diseases including cholera, measles and malaria.  Lack of access to clean water, exposure to the elements, and inability to find food or medical care can result in the rapid spread of diseases.  As for malaria — which was a threat for Haitians before the earthquake –  the risk of infection is increased when people are sleeping in the streets and can’t get medication once they become sick.

World Vision has worked in Haiti for 31 years and currently has some 800 staff working for the organization.  While my heart goes out to the many whose lives have been touched directly by the earthquake, I am also encouraged to know that our staff is already established in the region, and able to respond to the horrific, urgent needs. And it has been a great inspiration to hear the stories of how, within hours of the first quake, many of our staff were out delivering emergency supplies including water, blankets, and medical supplies. I hope to share some of those with you as the communications channels clear a bit.

Check out these stories that highlight the public health threat in Haiti.

http://www.usatoday.com/news/world/2010-01-14-haiti-cover_N.htm

http://www.baltimoresun.com/health/bal-public-health-haiti0115,0,2649135.story

As it relates to malaria, we are in the process of evaluating the threat and determining what action we might take, including the delivery of bed nets.  No doubt, malaria is just one of the many health concerns World Vision will be responding to over the coming days, weeks, and months.

If you’re looking for a way to respond, I would encourage you to check out what World Vision is doing and how you can help by visiting www.worldvision.org.

Let’s be sure to keep the families affected by the earthquake in our prayers.

– Craig