ARTICLE - CANADA OFFERS HELP TO HAITI

CANADA OFFERS HELP TO HAITI
(HaitiLibre.com)

Beverley J. Oda, Minister of International Cooperation, announced that the Government of Canada will provide support for Oxfam-Québec to enable it to provide vital assistance in response to this epidemic.

"The Canadian government will continue to assist the Haitian people, already shaken by the devastating earthquake of last January, and continues to face obstacles and suffer losses while fighting this epidemic, " adding that "the needs are even more pressing given the recent devastation caused by the Hurricane Tomas."

The Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) is providing funding of 550,000 dollars to Oxfam-Quebec. These funds will enable the organization to try and minimize the spread of cholera in the region of Artibonite, Haiti. Oxfam-Quebec will provide safe water to affected populations and to hospitals that treat those infected.

In addition, it will continue to treat confirmed cases and provide medical equipment needed by hospitals and communities. To limit the spread of the disease, Oxfam-Québec will also launch a public information campaign for Haitians living in the Artibonite region.

"The CIDA funding will immediately allow Oxfam-Québec to intensify its actions in Petite Riviere, in the Artibonite region, in response to the cholera epidemic," said Peter Veronneau, Executive Director of Oxfam Quebec.

"Oxfam-Québec is grateful for this contribution, we are confident that these funds will help us reach more people with regard to access to water, sanitation and hygiene."

CIDA also contributed $450,000 to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) to support the rapid deployment of experts from PAHO and the provision of medical supplies to treat cholera. PAHO will also conduct disease surveillance and information campaigns on prevention measures, it will also coordinate all operations as an organization responsible for the group of health workers in Haiti.