Although the floodwaters have receeded, Haitians in hurricane affected communities are still at risk. Standing water creates an ideal breeding ground for mosquitos that carry malaria and other diseases.  For pregnant women and children, a mosquito net can be a life saving, yet cost effective, intervention. Partners in Health (PIH) has launched a campaign to purchase and then distribute 10,000 long lasted insecticide treated mosquito nets.  Supporting this effort is a tangible way to help Haiti during the recovery process. 

Below is a Miami Herald article on the relationship between environmental degradation in Haiti and natural disasters. Click here to see an audio slideshow of the consequences of deforestation.  The article also contains a link to an interview with Jane Wynne, who is intimately familiar with Haiti's environmental issues.  As she puts it, "There is hope but only if we have the will to change."  There is also a link to an interview with Prime Minister Pierre-Louis.  Though it will take all of Haitian society to reverse the deforestation, her role is to prepare and coordinate a governmental response.  It is long overdue.

Matt recently uploaded a new set of  photographs to the Haiti Innovation Flickr Account.  These photos were taken during emergency operations where Haitian Red Cross volunteers and American Red Cross staff worked hand in hand throughout the country.  Red Cross has considerably ramped up their programming over the past month.  These photos give a sense of how profound the damage was in a way that may be impossible to convey through writing. Other non-profits may use photographs from this set provided that they credit Matthew Marek and Haiti Innovation.

We frequently receive inquiries concerning the use of Jatropha as a biofuel in Haiti.  So far, cultivation has been limited to a handfull of pilot projects. This blog lists these organizations and summarizes several recent articles on the subject.  A previous blog on biodiesel resulted in over 225 comments from people throughout the world interested in Jatropha. If you are interested specifically in jatropha cultivation in Haiti, please post a comment describing your interests.  In that way, this blog can become a conversation about tapping the potential of Jatropha for Haiti.

Disabilities are part of the human condition.  It has been said that any of us lucky to live long enough will experience a disability.  However, disabled children and their families have unique needs that often go unmet, especially in the developing world.  PAZAPA is a school in Jacmel that provides support to more than 300 disabled children. On Saturday, November 8th a fundraiser will be held from 2:00 - 5:00 at  3181 Porter Street, NW 20008 in the Cleveland Park neighborhood of Washington DC.  If you can come, please RSVP to Anne Grimmer at aegrimmer@aol.com.  If not, please take a look at the PAZAPA website and consider donating to this unique organization.

Even before the hurricanes, Haiti was in emergency mode.  The rising costs of food and fuel prompted riots and former members of the Haitian military had re-emerged in the north.  According to Haitian Agriculture Minister Joanas Gue, the agricultural system has been destroyed.  In many parts of the country, staple crops such as rice, corn, plantains, and yams were lost. The poorest farmers need assistance to purchase the seeds, tools, fertilizers and agricultural inputs that will ensure the success of the next harvest.  Until then, food security is tenuous. 

The Haiti Support Group sent in an interesting article about the Windbelt, an innovative wind harvesting technology. The device was  invented by Shawn Frayne who was inspired while working in Haiti's Petit Anse.  Miniature  versions are used for powering small devices while larger models could potentially be used as a community energy source in rural areas.  You can learn more by visiting the Humdinger website and its frequently asked question section.  Inquiries can be directed to wind@humdingerwind.com

The devastation to Gonaives brought with it a sense of déjà vu for Haiti watchers.  We’ve been here before - the damage from Tropical Storm Jeanne was massive. Then as now, there were serious humanitarian needs that donors, non-governmental, and international organizations struggled mightily to meet.  Then as now, there were a steady flow of politicians and celebrities. Other disasters happened elsewhere and Haiti again fell of the radar. The long term steps needed to ensure the survival of the city were not taken. Will things be different this time or will a preventable tragedy happen yet again?  

By most accounts, the Haitian Government responded well to Gustav.  The Haitian Ministry of Interior’s Office of Civil Protection (DPC) played an active role, gathering information and establishing shelters nationwide. However, Hanna overwhelmed the country's capacity and produced a national catastrophe  that was exacerbated by Ike.  The storms affected 600,000 people in nine of ten departments. Of them, the UN is reporting that 331 people have died and 70,000 people remain in shelters.  Relief has been slow because of damaged infrastructure but it is arriving.

Below is an email Paul Farmer wrote to Partners in Health (PIH) HQ concerning the recent flooding in Haiti.  The country is dealing with a true catastrophe, described by President Preval as a "nationwide Katrina."  In addition to their responsibilities on the Central Plateau, PIH is stepping up by helping the Ministry of Health provide life saving services throughout the Artibonite. If you have been asking yourself how you can help Haiti, a donation to PIH to fund their emergency operations is an excellent way to do so.  You can make a donation directly through their website.  For additional information, read the transcript of an interview of Paul by Democracy Now here.