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This is an archived USAID document retained on this web site as a matter of public record.

U.S. Providing Medical Assistance to the People of Haiti

WASHINGTON, DC 20523
PRESS OFFICE
http://www.usaid.gov/
Press: (202) 712-4320
Public Information: (202) 712-4810

2004-010

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 19, 2004

Contact: USAID Press Office

WASHINGTON, DC - On February 18th, U.S. Ambassador to Haiti James B. Foley issued a disaster declaration due to the deterioration of the humanitarian situation throughout the country. In response, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing $50,000 to support the transport and distribution of emergency relief supplies, including 12 medical kits and three surgical kits, valued at $87,000. Each medical kit is equipped to serve ten-thousand individuals for approximately three months. Additionally, USAID has approved $400,000 to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to purchase medical supplies and to conduct emergency relief activities in Haiti.

Violence, social unrest and political instability have increased significantly in Haiti in recent weeks, as armed groups in opposition to President Jean-Bertrand Aristide brutally clash with armed government supporters and police. On February 9th, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) dispatched advisors to Port-au-Prince, Haiti to assist with contingency planning for humanitarian assistance in the event of further deterioration of conditions in Haiti.

According to ongoing assessments of the healthcare system by USAID, emergency health care has been disrupted with the two main hospitals in Port-au-Prince barely operating. Rising tensions and instability prevalent throughout the country have also affected hospitals outside of Port-au-Prince, including facilities in Gonaïves, Saint-Marc and Cap-Haïtien.

USAID will continue to monitor the situation. For more information on USAID's ongoing efforts in Haiti, please visit www.usaid.gov/regions/lac/ht.

The U.S. Agency for International Development has provided economic and humanitarian assistance worldwide for more than 40 years.

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