Hurricane Matthew - Emergency Health Assistance in Haiti - Pan American Health Organization 2016

October 2016 – On October 4 Hurricane Matthew a Category 4 storm tore through the Caribbean causing widespread damage flooding and displacement in Haiti. Hurricane Matthew has resulted in the largest humanitarian crises in Haiti since the 2010 earthquake with an estimated 1.2 million people affected. Complete information on humanitarian impact is expected as relief efforts get underway. With GAC’s support the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) is helping to meet the immediate health needs of hurricane-affected people in Haiti. Project activities include: (1) providing rapid response emergency health units; (2) providing medical personnel essential medication and vaccines; and (3) support for disease surveillance for early detection of outbreaks such as cholera

The expected outcomes for this project include: (1) restored health care delivery capacity and improved access to health services; (2) reduced risk of cholera and other waterborne diseases; (3) increased epidemiological surveillance to support early detection and management of disease outbreaks; and (4) enhanced coordination of assistance in the areas of health and information management. The expected ultimate outcome is lives saved suffering alleviated and human dignity maintained in countries experiencing humanitarian crises or acute food insecurity.