Haiti: now and over coming months

Based on information we’ve gathered, Concern has chosen to concentrate primarily on two of the poorest areas of Port-au-Prince: Saint Martin and Martissant.

We were already in operation there when the earthquake struck. We have good knowledge of the areas and an existing network of contacts to help those communities and to get them involved in the response.

Before the quake

Prior to the earthquake, Saint Martin (in the lower Delmas area) had an estimated population of between 60-70,000 people. Martissant had an estimated population of 200,000.

Focus

We have chosen to concentrate our efforts in a limited number of areas. The goal is to make a real impact, rather than spreading our resources too thin. We aim to help at least 100,000 people in the first few months.

Our approach

Now, during the earliest phase of the emergency, we’re aiming to cover people’s basic needs by providing essential goods and services. However, at the earliest opportunity, we intend to stimulate economic activity through an injection of cash, enabling people to meet their own needs according to their own priorities.

Trauma and support

This earthquake has deeply shocked the population. We are very aware of this and are making sure our response includes trauma support, peace-building and conflict management. We are providing training to people using a group of skilled dialogue facilitators.

Proposed action

We are planning a six month response starting in mid-January, covering the following areas:

• Prevention and treatment of acute malnutrition
• Access to clean water and sanitation
• Shelter and essential supplies
• Cash transfers to facilitate social and economic recovery
• Psycho-social support and conflict management
• Primary education provision in camps