ASTMH Statement on Two-Year Anniversary of Haiti Earthquake

This week marks a tragic anniversary: the 2010 earthquake that nearly decimated Haiti, killing an estimated 220,500 and leaving 500,000 homeless. At its peak, 2.3 million were displaced, including more than a quarter of a million children. This is a country that could ill afford even one more challenge. And yet, less than a year after the earthquake, an outbreak of cholera killed thousands more.

"This is a frustrating milestone. While the global health and international aid organizations are working to rebuild Haiti's infrastructure, far too many of its citizens are still without access to clean water, medicine and supplies," said James W. Kazura, MD, ASTMH President. "We can and should do better than this."

"ASTMH stands today with the global health community, reminding decision-makers that America's health is global health. Beyond the right thing to do, health communities are a solid foundation for building stronger economies, leading a path to more stable governments. It's the smart thing to do for the United States and the right thing to do for the world," said Karen A. Goraleski, ASTMH Executive Director.

(The January issue of the American Journal of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene features a special section on Haiti, including a commentary from Paul Farmer, MD, PhD, and Louise Ivers, MD, MPH, of Partners In Health.)