Our Work in Country Americares has worked in Haiti since the 1980s, supporting health centers and local organizations with donated medicine and medical supplies both in response to emergencies and ongoing needs. Over the years Americares has responded to the 2010 Port-au-Prince Earthquake, Hurricane Matthew in 2016, the Earthquake in 2021 and, most recently, the COVID-19 pandemic in Haiti. Since 2013, Americares has been the sole NGO to provide health-focused support to the Pestel area of southern Haiti. This region of roughly 50,000 people was significantly impacted by the earthquake. The Pestel Health Center is the only health provider in the area. Americares has partnered with the health center in recent years to refurbish their ambulance, install a solar power system, make other infrastructure repairs, strengthen the medical supply chain and logistics and train staff. We are committed to creating pathways to health and opportunity for families throughout the country. We have worked with the Ministry of Public Health and Population and local partners to coordinate relief efforts in times of emergency and get health care to survivors with mobile medical teams staffed by Haitian physicians and nurses. Even as more challenges emerge that impact health care including widespread food shortages and gang violence that have led to a humanitarian crisis throughout the country, we support health care facilities and health care workers in targeted programs to meet health needs for those who have little access to health services. Mother waits with son at Americares mobile medical clinic in a rural community in Haiti after the recent earthquake and flood, July 2023. (Photo/Pierre Michel Jean)
Haiti Earthquake (2010) On January 12, 2010, a powerful earthquake devastated Haiti, killing more than 230,000 people, injuring thousands more and destroying critical infrastructure including many schools and health facilities. Over 2 million people were affected and many left homeless. An Americares team was on the ground within 48 hours of the disaster, and within days we began airlifting tons of medicines and supplies to help survivors. We established an office and warehouse, restoring health services and building a stronger, resilient health system throughout Haiti. Working with over 80 local partners, we made long-term, sustainable improvements in the health system by expanding health services, controlling cholera and preventing outbreaks, improving maternal and child health, and preparing for future disasters.