Updates from the Field

January 27, 2010

ASA continues to receive reports that the situation in Haiti is an extremely challenging environment for volunteers. Although it is marginally improving every day, anyone responding to Haiti with an NGO needs to be fully prepared physically and mentally for a tough experience. This includes being very fit; up to date immunizations, malaria prophylaxis, and physical and dental checkup. One needs to have food, water, and other logistics needs covered for the length of their stay, with a reserve. Fuel and transportation are in especially short supply. There is essentially no cell phone or internet service, except for satellite coverage. Teams on the ground have seen many well meaning be volunteers become victims themselves. If you are planning to travel to Haiti on a medical mission, please closely review the following sources, and take the proper precautions to be as safe as possible.

Operation Giving Back Medical Mission Toolkit

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Disaster Relief Preparation