Yesterday marked a tremendous stride forward for Haitian amputees and others severely injured by the earthquake: the dedication of a rehabilitation clinic and prosthetic workshop developed by JDC together with Israel’s Magen David Adom and Sheba Medical Center at Tel Hashomer Hospital as well as the Haitian Red Cross and the HUEH (l’Hôpital de l’Université d’Etat d’Haïti). These modernized facilities are the first of their kind in Haiti.
The dedication ceremony, highlighted this morning by JTA and eJewish Philanthropy, included guests from high-profile local Haitian, Israeli, and international NGOs. Also in attendance were Ambassadors, Health Ministry officials, and other top dignitaries from Haiti, Israel, and the United States.
Dr. Alex Larsen, Haiti’s Minister of Public Health and Population, shared his country’s appreciation for this most recent project:
“The Jewish and Israeli response to the plight of the Haitian people has been outstanding and we are heartened by the outpouring of critical support and aid at this time. We are fortunate to have JDC—a steadfast partner in times of great disaster—stewarding this project, which is restoring health to many Haitians.”
At the same time, JDC has been working with our partners on the ground to the country’s cholera epidemic since first reports surfaced. To date, we’ve funded additional local medical teams with Heart to Heart International in tent cities focusing upon cholera education and hygiene. We have also funded a shipment, with New York-based Afya, of much needed equipment—IV bags, stands, tents, blankets, sheets, disinfectant—that has gone to another of our NGO partners, Partners In Health, as well as to Haitian cholera clinics. A second shipment of IV bags with lactated ringer solution for rehydration purposes is being readied. And mostly recently, we’ve purchased large quantities of Ciprix antibiotic tablets for use by a hospital in Cap-Haïtien, which is partnering with Mashav (Israel’s official agency for international development cooperation) to build an ICU unit.
A big “thank you” to all of our partners. And we’re all sending our best wishes to the Haitian people now as much as ever.
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