GAVI extends deepest condolences to people of Haiti
Statement by GAVI Chief Executive Officer Julian Lob-Levyt on the earthquake in Haiti
Geneva, 15 January 2010 – As television pictures confirm our worst fears about the devastating consequences of the Port-au-Prince earthquake, I would like to convey GAVI’s deepest condolences to the people of Haiti. Our thoughts go out to families of the tens of thousands of victims, many of whom are children.
I would also like to express GAVI’s concern for colleagues from our partner organisations based in Haiti, including members of the United Nations, who remain unaccounted for in the aftermath of the tragedy.
With many of the capital’s hospitals lying in ruins or unstable, Haiti’s health service has been overwhelmed by the large number of injured survivors. Doctors are treating victims in temporary field hospitals and basic medical assistance is an urgent priority.
GAVI’s partners including UNICEF and WHO are massively engaged in providing emergency aid to assist people affected.
As the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and one of the most disadvantaged countries in the world, Haiti’s health infrastructure is simply not equipped to cope with the most catastrophic in a series of natural disasters that have blighted the island in the past 10 years.
As one of the first low-income countries to receive GAVI support in 2000, Haiti is a close partner of the Alliance. Last year, Haiti’s Health Minister, Dr Alex Larsen, met with GAVI to assess the country’s immunisation programme and explore ways to strengthen the public health sector.
The Ministry has been planning to apply for GAVI support to introduce the five-in-one pentavalent vaccine in 2010. When the emergency relief operation is over and Haiti starts the process of rebuilding, GAVI Alliance members will look at ways of providing long-term immunisation and health system support.
See how GAVI's UN partners are responding to Haiti's earthquake:
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