One year on in Haiti: WSPA assesses the impact of its relief work

Jan 12, 2011

In the past 12 months WSPA-led coalition ARCH (Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti) has treated more than 50,000 injured animals, raised awareness of animal welfare among the Haitian community and rebuilt a damaged veterinary infrastructure.

Since last January, WSPA – leading the first-ever animal relief coalition: ARCH – has been on the ground in Haiti, addressing the needs of the surviving animal population and the broken veterinary infrastructure. Because of the amazing contributions from supporters throughout 2010, WSPA has accomplished the following in Haiti:

Treated more than 50,000 animals in need

• Last January, ARCH set up a mobile veterinary clinic, enabling trained veterinarians to travel into earthquake-stricken neighborhoods and provide medical aid to tens of thousands of dogs, cats, goats, cattle, horses and other animals.

• To date, the team has directly treated and vaccinated more than 50,000 animals and so aided the economic recovery of the communities that depend on them.

Repaired veterinary infrastructure and supplies

• Together we have helped to repair and re-stock the National Veterinary Laboratory.

• We have installed 12 solar powered refrigeration units. These are critical to storing animal vaccinations.

• We began the training of veterinarians, essential if we are to build a community-based risk reduction effort to help prepare for disaster situations in the future.

Promoted pet care and animal welfare education

• The team launched a public awareness campaign to educate Haitians about disaster preparedness and health issues related to their livestock and pets.

• It worked closely with the Ministry of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development (MARNDR) to develop capacity for monitoring and supporting animal health. When suspected rabies cases appear, the new veterinary team works with the MARNDR on epidemiological surveillance and it will be capable of rapid deployment in the event of another emergency.

Protected the health of humans

• By vaccinating Haiti’s animal population against diseases such as rabies and Newcastle’s disease, ARCH has protected Haiti’s human community.

• By treating animals for parasites, the team prevented an outbreak of diarrhea, which would have exacerbated the Cholera problem.

By focusing on the immediate as well as the long-term needs of the Haitian community, ARCH has ensured that supporters’ generosity is used both effectively and efficiently – not just to treat the animals affected by the earthquake, but also to help the Haitians on their long and arduous road to recovery.

More information on WSPA’s disaster relief efforts >>