ADRA (Adventist Development & Relief Agency) - 2010 Haiti Earthquake

READ FULL DETAILS AT:
http://news.adventist.org/2010/10/in-haiti-adra-ramps.html

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In an effort to reduce the effects of the outbreak in hard-hit Artibonite Department located north of the Haitian capital, ADRA and the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Haiti are sending 10 Trekker mobile water purification units to help ease the demand for clean water in the area. Each mobile unit, which is powered by a motorcycle, can purify 63 gallons of water per hour.

Plans are also underway to distribute 30,000 water purification tablets and information flyers in four targeted zones in Artibonite, including the communities of St. Marc, Grande Saline, Marchand, and Verette.

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Haiti: ADRA Intensifies Cholera Prevention Efforts Following Outbreak
Friday, October 29, 2010

SILVER SPRING, Md. - In the wake of a cholera outbreak in Haiti that has killed more than 300 people and sickened thousands, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) is ramping up efforts to prevent the spread of the disease to vulnerable populations in Port-au-Prince.

"The cholera outbreak in Haiti is the worst case scenario," said Fritz Bissereth, country director for ADRA Haiti. "We could not be unconcerned about these particularly difficult moments in the life of the country."

As a result, ADRA is focusing cholera awareness efforts in various camps in Carrefour, a neighborhood of Port-au-Prince where thousands of displaced persons have been living in makeshift shelters since the deadly January 12 earthquake. Using live drama presentations, pamphlets and posters in the local Creole language, ADRA staff and volunteers have instructed residents on the dangers of cholera and prevention practices. In addition, hand sanitizers and a total of 2,880 water purification tabs have been distributed to camp residents. Each tab can disinfect 2.6 gallons (10 liters) of water.

In recent days, ADRA also solicited the support of Haiti’s National Direction for Potable Water and Sanitation (DINEPA) to test the water being provided to displaced persons. Testing confirmed the good quality of the water and its distribution remains unaffected.

In the displaced persons camp located on the campus of the Haiti Adventist University, ADRA has conducted cholera training for the camp management team and continues the distribution of Oral Rehydration Salts (ORS) in the camp’s three remaining inhabited zones where some 500 families live.

In an effort to reduce the effects of the outbreak in hard-hit Artibonite Department located north of the Haitian capital, ADRA and the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Haiti are sending 10 Trekker mobile water purification units to help ease the demand for clean water in the area. Each mobile unit, which is powered by a motorcycle, can purify 63 gallons (240 liters) of water per hour. Plans are underway to distribute 30,000 water purification tablets and information flyers in four targeted zones in Artibonite, including the communities of St. Marc, Grande Saline, Marchand, and Verette.

Key to ADRA’s cholera prevention message is the focus on basic sanitation, including boiling water, using soap, consistent hand washing before meals and following toilet use, keeping foods clean, and avoiding the consumption of fish. ADRA is implementing these preventive actions using guidelines set by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).

The Ministry of Health in Haiti reported 4,722 cholera cases, including 303 deaths. Haitian officials say that the majority of cases have appeared in the departments of Artibonite, Central, Nord-East, and Nord. There is concern that the disease could also spread to the densely populated Port-au-Prince area where thousands of people are living in squalid camps with little access to clean water and food.

Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholera. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), cholera can kill within hours if left untreated. Up to 80 percent of cases can be successfully treated, however, with oral rehydration salts, WHO reports.

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FROM THE CIVIL SOCIETIES ORGANIZATION SITE:

Contact Name in Haiti: M. Fritz BISSERETH, fritzbissreth @hotmail.com
Phone: 2234 1035/ 2234 1006/
Email: fbissreth @adra-haiti.org

Organization Details: ADRA improves the lives of people around the world. The agency searches out deprivation, social injustice, and need—then works to eliminate them. ADRA invests in the potential of individuals through advocacy, supporting families, promoting health, providing food and water, establishing livelihoods, and responding to emergencies.

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HEALTH CLUSTER DETAILS:

MAIN ACTIVITIES/OFFERS: Public health nurses in 2 clinics in IDP camps
LOCATION: Adventist University
HUMAN RESOURCES: 16 nurses, 2 medical teams
PARTNERSHIP: Feeding Tent and Concern International
FUTURE PLANS: Health Education and Vaccination
EXIT DATE: 4/12/10

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See CAT Facility Record for Adventist Hospital (Partnered w/ADRA):
https://ccc.haghy.com/shelters/4961

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ADRA is distributing food, water, first response items, shelter items, providing child friendly space in refugee camps, vaccinations in camps, and warehouses supplies in country.

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from reliefweb

ADRA Feeds Thousands in Haiti
Source: Adventist Development and Relief Agency International (ADRA)

Date: 21 Jan 2010

Wahroonga, New South Wales — The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) distributed nearly 13,000 rations of high-energy nutritional biscuits donated by the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) in several sites in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, on January 18. Each ration can feed a person for five days.

"Thousands of people remain in makeshift camps where the food and sanitation situation is precarious," said Richard Jaqua, a staff member who is helping to coordinate the logistics for ADRA's emergency response. He reported that the distribution of food is crucial as supplies in the capital's stores and marketplaces have become limited and extremely expensive.

ADRA also continues to provide urgent water supplies and medical care to approximately 25,000 internally displaced people who have sought refuge at the grounds of the Haiti Adventist University and the Adventist Hospital of Haiti.

ADRA, in partnership with Global Medic, has already established several clean water access points at the site, with plans to install 20 more. ADRA also expects to distribute more water supplies provided by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), with thousands already receiving water purification tablets. To improve sanitation at the site, ADRA is constructing 60 latrines.

In addition, ADRA will distribute a shipment of 450kgs of medical supplies received from International Aid and medical supplies worth $15,000 donated by Heart to Heart International. ADRA has already distributed approximately 30 boxes of medical supplies at the hospital and continues to provide medical assistance to the injured.

To implement these initial response activities, ADRA is also partnering with Food for the Poor, which is assisting in the distribution of medical and food supplies; Johanniter International, a non-profit association that is providing medical supplies for hospital staff; GARSA, a Colombian rescue and relief group in partnership with ADRA Colombia; International Relief and Development (IRD); and donors in Puerto Rico.

The worldwide ADRA network urgently needs US$1 million to help communities rebuild in the long-term. ADRA Australia has opened a Haiti Earthquake Appeal and is calling for support for the response efforts in the region. Donations can be made to ADRA Australia by calling 1800 242 372 or visiting www.adra.org.au. Donations to ADRA Australia's Haiti Earthquake Appeal will be used to support the disaster, recovery and reconstruction efforts in the area. If the appeal raises more funds than are needed, donations will be allocated to ADRA Australia's ongoing emergency management activities.

International ADRA network partners currently supporting the response efforts include ADRA International, ADRA Australia, ADRA New Zealand, ADRA Czech Republic, ADRA United Kingdom, ADRA China, ADRA Denmark, ADRA Switzerland, ADRA Norway, ADRA Canada, ADRA Ireland, ADRA Portugal, ADRA Sweden, ADRA Netherlands, ADRA Austria, and ADRA Japan.

ADRA Australia is a non-government organisation (NGO) engaging in sustainable development projects and emergency management activities for people in need in Australia, the Pacific, Asia and Africa. It is a member of the Australian Council of Social Services (ACOSS) and has full accreditation with the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID). It is a member of the Australian Council for International Development (ACFID) and is a signatory to ACFID's Code of Conduct. ADRA Australia is part of the international ADRA network, which has a presence in 125 countries. ADRA is the worldwide humanitarian arm of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. For more information about ADRA Australia, or to sign up for email updates, visit www.adra.org.au.

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from their website:

SILVER SPRING, Md. —As the humanitarian crisis continues to grow in quake-hit Haiti, the Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) has expanded its relief efforts by committing $1 million worth of emergency aid to assist survivors in the hardest hit areas.

”As an organization, we recognize the urgency that this disaster demands, and press forward to meet the most immediate needs of survivors,” said Charles Sandefur, president of ADRA International. “We will continue to do everything possible to alleviate the suffering of those affected in this incredible tragedy.”

As part of ADRA’s immediate response, an emergency assessment team also traveled to Port-au-Prince to begin coordinating the distribution of aid in the region. The group is expected to arrive in Haiti on Friday, January 15, to support the operations on the ground.

"On our way to Haiti, the expressions of solidarity from everyone we've met have been inspiring. People are encouraging and genuinely emotional regarding the events surrounding the earthquake,” said John Torres, a member of the ADRA International team headed to Haiti.

ADRA is partnering with Toronto-based Global Medic to provide medical aid for survivors through four mobile medical clinics, each of which can assist up to 1,000 patients a day. Survivors will receive other emergency items, such as water purification tablets, water treatment packets, and oral rehydration salt units. Water purification units and a portable water tester will also be available. These water treatment methods will provide clean drinking water for an estimated 90,000 people a day.

A donation of medical supplies from Heart to Heart International will help ADRA provide assistance to as many as 800 people. Supplies include antibiotics, vitamins, vinyl gloves, and over-the-counter pain relief medication.

ADRA network offices have already committed an estimated $98,000 toward the Haiti response. Funders include ADRA United Kingdom, ADRA Switzerland, ADRA Norway, ADRA Canada, and ADRA Portugal.

The quake, which struck at 16:53 local time (21:53 GMT) and approximately 10 miles (15 km) southwest of the capital Port-au-Prince, is the strongest to hit Haiti in more than 200 years. It was followed by two powerful aftershocks registering at a magnitude of 5.9 and 5.5, respectively. As a result, the damage to infrastructure, including bridges, buildings, phone and power lines, has been severe.

Updates will be released as ADRA’s response efforts expand.

To send your contribution to ADRA’s Haiti Earthquake Response Fund, please contact ADRA at 1.800.424.ADRA (2372) or give online at www.adra.org.

Follow ADRA on Twitter and Facebook to get the latest information as it happens.

ADRA is a non-governmental organization present in 125 countries providing sustainable community development and disaster relief without regard to political or religious association, age, gender, race or ethnicity.

For more information about ADRA, visit www.adra.org.

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from website:
http://www.adra.org/site/News2?page=NewsArticle&id=10739&security=1&news_iv_ctrl=1141

Donate to Haiti Earthquake Response Fund
Online: http://www.adra.org/haiti
Mobile: 85944, Text the word “ADRA”, reply “YES”
Phone: 1.800.424.ADRA (2372)