Haiti and Dominican Republic Urged to Fight Mosquito Borne Diseases Together

  • Posted on: 17 December 2008
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

The New York Times recently carried an article on the Carter Center's joint Haiti/Dominican Republic initiative to eliminate malaria and lymphatic filariasis from the island of Hispaniola, which both countries share. Given that infectious diseases do not respect borders, this initiative seems an excellent opportunity for collaboration between Haiti and the Dominican Republic.  Hopefully, it can open doors for much needed collaboration in other areas as well. 

United States Institute of Peace: How to End Poverty in Haiti?

  • Posted on: 15 December 2008
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

The United States Institute of Peace is a nonpartisan, independent think tank (or at least as independent as possible given that it was established and funded by Congress.) Its goals are to help prevent and resolve violent international conflicts, promote post-conflict stability and development, and increase conflict management capacity, tools, and intellectual capital worldwide.  The Institute has a Haiti Working Group, which meets monthly and is open to anyone interested in Haiti.  The Group periodically publishes papers or organizes Haiti related events. Last week, the Working Group held a panel called The End of Poverty in Haiti.

PAZAPA Update (12/14/2008)

  • Posted on: 13 December 2008
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

While being a child in Haiti is hard enough, being a disabled child is much more so. There are few organizations providing the health, education, and vocational support that disabled children and their families need. PAZAPA, based in Jacmel, has been supporting programming for deaf, blind, and developmentally disabled Haitian children since 1982.  We first wrote about PAZAPA on October 13th.  Below is an update. 

CARICOM Prepared to Help Haiti Integrate in 2009

  • Posted on: 10 December 2008
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

Caribbean 360 carried an announcement that, by early next year, Haiti will have taken a step toward closer integration into the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Single Market and Economy.  As part of this deal, CARICOM will carry out public education campaigns to educate Haitains about CARICOM and to educate other Caribbean countries about Haiti. The expansion of Digicel, the largest company in Haiti, shows the potential of the private sector in Haiti.  Haiti needs trade more than it needs aid and I hope regional integration will help create much needed employment.  

Maternal Hospitals in Haiti Under Pressure

  • Posted on: 9 December 2008
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

There is a Haitian Proverb, “fanm se poto mitan.” It  means that women are the central pole of life, they support society.  Sadly, the maternal clinics in Port au Prince are not able to support the numbers of pregnant mothers seeking a safe facility to give birth in. Jacqueline Charles of the Miami Herald describes the under-resourced hospitals, their over-worked staff, and the negative impact on the health of women and children.  As Paul Farmer notes in the article, ``…If you are really serious about reducing maternal mortality, you have to stay in the game a long time.''  You can read this and other Haiti related stories on the Miami Herald website. Then take a look at the short video and photos that convey the gravity of the situation. 

Looking Back on World AIDS Day 2008

  • Posted on: 6 December 2008
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

Monday marked the 20th global observance of World AIDS Day. Each year, this date provides an opportunity to reflect on what has been accomplished and what remains to be done.  Haiti's significant and under recognized progress in its struggle against HIV/AIDS continues.  In fact, Haiti's successes have been replicated in numerous countries throughout Sub-Saharan Africa.  This is something that we can all be proud of.  Below are some thoughts concerning World AIDS Day 2008.  

International Action's Campaign for Clean Water in Haiti

  • Posted on: 1 December 2008
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

Below is a blog we received concerning International Action's campaign to make access to clean water a reality throughout Port au Prince. Their approach is to provide cost effective tablet chlorinators and to build the capacity of community members to manage them. After reading the blog below, take a look at their website and this short video clip about their work.  If you would like to stay updated, you can also sign up for their e-newsletter.  There are ample opportunities to support their work whether as a donor, an intern, or a volunteer. 

CNN Special Report: Hunger on the Rise

  • Posted on: 25 November 2008
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

Meds and Foods for Kids (MFK) was featured on a CNN Special Report today. The article described the ongoing struggle of Haitian mothers as they're forced to choose between life or death for their children. The short clip highlights MFK's effort to treat malnutrtion with Medika Mamba (or peanut butter medicine).  Medika Mamba is a ready-to-use therapeutic food made of peanuts purchased from local Haitian farmers. In the CNN article, MFK Executive Director commented, "You realize how absolutely blessed you are by the fate of your soul coming down the chute in the United States of America. You wonder: Why did this happen to me and not to them?"You can access the CNN report by clicking here. The article can also be found below.

Haiti Food Security Update (11/25/2008)

  • Posted on: 25 November 2008
  • By: Bryan Schaaf
Thanksgiving is just around the corner, a time to reflect and be appreciative.  In the United States, the economy is weak and many Americans have lost their jobs and/or their homes.  While many of us will know frustration and disappointment, few will truly experience hunger.  For this I am thankful.  However, let us not forget that there are many families in Haiti and elsewhere struggling to feed themselves.  Even during the hard times, we can make a difference with the most modest contributions of time or money.

Center for Haitian Studies Going Strong in Miami

  • Posted on: 15 November 2008
  • By: Bryan Schaaf

You don’t have to go to Haiti to learn more about Haitians.  On the East Coast, there are a number of very good organizations both providing health and social services to the Diaspora and promoting Haitian culture. The Center for Haitian Studies (CHS), based in Miami's Little Haiti neighborhood, is an excellent example. Founded in 1988, it is a good resource for both Haitians and friends of Haiti alike. 

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