Hundreds of agencies respond in wake of Haiti quake

Washington

- The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) reports that more than 600 organizations and institutions are working with local Haitian authorities to bring relief to victims of the recent earthquake, Medscape Medical News reports.

On Jan. 27, the PAHO’s Emergency Operations Center Situation Report noted that the Haitian government estimates the death toll to be 111,500, with nearly 200,000 people injured and 1 million left homeless.

PAHO and the World Health Organization (WHO) are focusing on disseminating key health messages regarding water sanitation and handling of patients, as well as strengthening surveillance networks to prevent disease outbreaks. The agencies also will host a workshop to coordinate interagency efforts to provide a recovery plan for Haiti.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued a statement saying 243 CDC staff members are involved in the relief effort, 20 of whom are on-site in Haiti.

The CDC is coordinating with various agencies, such as the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Haitian Ministry of Health and PAHO, to put disease-monitoring surveillance systems in place.

The CDC also is offering resources for relief workers traveling to Haiti to respond to the earthquake.