03 April, 2004
New York City.- The Batey Relief Alliance (BRA) is dispatching on April 9th a multinational team of medical experts, students and other volunteers to the border of Haiti and the Dominican on a six-day medical mission. ?The purpose is to reinforce BRA?s Humanitarian Health Relief Operation that started on March 15th at the border resulting from recent political crises in Haiti,? said Ulrick Gaillard, Executive Director of the BRA.
The operation is coordinated with BRA?s partner and member organizations, including the Association of Haitian Physicians Abroad (AMHE), Servicio Social de Iglesias (SSID), Fundación Todo por la Salud (FUNTOSALUD), Dominican?s State Sugar Council (CEA) and BRA Dominicana.
Week-long chaos and lack of fuel for electricity and water have forced the closure of most Haiti’s hospitals and health centers. Road closures have stopped distribution of essential drugs and vaccines. The World Health Organization estimates 1.3 million Haitians have suffered as a result. Children, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases such as tuberculosis are at most risk.
?Approximately fourty volunteer pediatricians, internists, dentists, nurses, public health experts, infectious disease specialists, medical students and others will leave the United States starting April 9th heading for the Dominican Republic?s border, where they will be joined by local Dominican and Haitian health providers,? added Gaillard.
According to the WHO, Haiti’s health system, which relies on humanitarian aid, was suffering even before the crises. AIDS is the leading cause of death followed by diarrhea and gastroenteritis (inflammation of the stomach and small and large intestines). The poorest country in the Americas, up to 33% of Haiti?s children is malnourished. One in ten children will die before their 5th birthday (13x U.S. rate). Only half of households have access to safe water. Life expectancy is 53 years and decreasing. 30% live on less than 1 $US/day.
The BRA?s operation will take place in Dajabón and Manzanillo where 1000 children and adults per day are expected to reach the makshift clinics to receive free medical and dental care, medicines, vitamins, food, clothing, hygiene products, food suplement and toys. Others from nearby localities, including Juana Méndez, Derac, Meac, Ouanaminthe, Fond Parisien and Las Cahobas will too visit the relief areas. ?Our goal is to provide emergency care to and assess health care needs of a very vulnerable population,? said Dr. Raymond Thertulien, BRA?s medical director.
BRA has earmarked $3 million in donated medicines and food products for the three-month long relief intervention. Donors include the Catholic Medical Mission Board, Direct Relief International, Food for the Poor, Wallkill Rotary Club, Denville Girls Scout and individual contributors.
We encourage you to visit the BRA?s website at www.bateyrelief.org to receive daily updates of the mission ? and to send your comments and suggestions.
BRA desperately needs your support to keep saving the lives of children and families affected by misery, diseases, and political and cultural situations in Haiti and the Dominican Republic. Please click on BRA?s Donate Now! button, at www.bateyrelief.org, and make a secure online gift.
If you need to communicate with us during the mission, please contact Ulrick Gaillard at (809) 767-1971, (809) 540-4947 or bra@bkreative.net.
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