Project HOPE Medical Team in Haiti Responds to Urgent Health Needs after Earthquake and Strong Aftershock Rocked the Island

Note: This story is about a previous emergency response in Haiti. Learn more about how Project HOPE is responding to the 2021 Haiti earthquake and how you can help.

Millwood, VA (October 8, 2018) – Project HOPE is deploying a medical team to areas in Haiti affected by the 5.9 magnitude earthquake that struck the island’s northern region near Port-au-Paix yesterday, killing at least 14 people and injuring 200 others.

The island was struck by a second strong 5.2 magnitude aftershock and a state of emergency was declared by the government. The government also appealed for international aid to help survivors of the disaster and hospitals that suffered widespread damage to infrastructure.

“Project HOPE responded to the 2004 earthquake and we are still here to support the people of Haiti through this difficult time,” said Andrea Dunne-Sosa, Regional Director of the Americas for Project HOPE.

Project HOPE’s team of doctors and nurses will bring emergency kits containing basic supplies such as bandages, medications for pain management and anitbiotics to medical centers that are receiving the injured but lack supplies for this emergency. The earthquake was the largest of its kind since the 2010 earthquake that killed an estimated 250,000 people.

“Our hearts go out to the Haitian people who have had to cope with so much since the 2004 earthquake. We know the sense of fear never really goes away for many Haitians and once again they are suffering from the affects of this earthquake and the anxiety and fear of aftershocks,”said Dunne-Sosa.

Project HOPE has responded to almost every major disaster worldwide since the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.  The NGO specializes in building long-term capacity after the initial shock of manmade or natural disasters has passed and has left a rich legacy of health infrastructure around the world, helping establish hospitals and clinics, train health care professional and assess needs in places as diverse as China and the Dominican Republic.

About Project HOPE

Founded in 1958, Project HOPE is a leader in global health and humanitarian relief programs. An international nonprofit organization, we are committed to transforming lives and uplifting communities by empowering health care workers to teach and deliver innovative, lifesaving solutions, every day and in times of crisis. With programs in 25 countries, we work at the epicenter of today’s greatest health challenges including infectious and noncommunicable diseases; disasters and health crises; maternal, neonatal and child health; and the policies that impact how health care is delivered.  Learn more at www.projecthope.org.