HI delivers mobility aids to earthquake-affected region

Monday morning, August 31st, HI received a maritime shipment of mobility aids in Les Cayes (Haiti), where its emergency team has been responding. The recent earthquake caused over 2,200 deaths and over 12,000 injuries throughout southwest Haiti.

The successful delivery included over 120 pairs of crutches, 35 walkers, nearly 20 wheelchairs, a dozen canes and several neck braces, shipped by HI in southern Haiti.

The items were provided by the Haitian Institute for Rehabilitation with the Ministry for Public Health and Population and were delivered to the only rehabilitation center in Les Cayes. Along with HI, the center has partnered with local hospitals, where the supplies will be distributed as needed to people injured by the earthquake.

Given the ongoing difficulties with access in the region due to roadblocks caused by landslides, rubble, and criminal activity, HI’s maritime transit project provides a necessary alternative for humanitarian actors to deliver essential goods to the affected area. It also serves as a more environmentally friendly way to transport large volumes.