How Much More Can They Take?

Just as things appear to be stabilizing, Haiti is again faced with crisis. The cholera outbreak, and the blunted response from the government again emphasizes the significant challenges in providing even basic needs. Several friends have asked me whether Hospital Sacre Coeur has been affected. From my reports, we have been fortunate that the outbreak is geographically distant. In addition, the proactive work of the local population and CRUDEM has provided improvements in the infrastructure, including water purification and sanitation. If the outbreak reaches us, I have no doubt that we will respond with the same zeal and organization as we always have.

Now we are faced with the prospect of a hurricane, whose track appears to take it over Haiti. I am glad that there will be some advanced warning, and hope that recovery and emergency supplies can be prestaged prior to landfall. As you have heard, the roads are in poor shape, and with extensive deforestation, the risk for mudslides that would limit access is high. Many in Port au Prince still live in tent cities with little protection from the elements. I fear for the outcome, but also realize that this is a country with tremendous resilence.

Susan Cu-Uvin, Professor of OB-Gyn and Medicine, and Director of the Global Health Intiative at Brown, forwarded this recent article, outlining the history of the Haitian government and with some explanation of current challenges. As is common in many struggling countries, the lack of true open elections that would provide a government that has credibility with its people, is a major issue.

http://www.cepr.net/index.php/op-eds-&-columns/op-eds-&-columns/haitis-200-year-economic-earthquake/

All of us have times when we feel overwhelmed, and wonder "How Much More Can We Take?" It is worse when we feel that it is beyond our control. Yet, as the Haitians have shown us, even in dire conditions, the basic human will to survive, and the faith that there is something bigger than us, provides hope and strength. Perhaps it is these types of challenges, as well as our own daily struggles, that teach us how to reach our full potential.

Haiti has been challenged enough. It is time to develop the new paradigm that will allow it to recover and thrive.


...and may it be so for all of us.