Working towards recovery in Haiti

06.02.10

A coalition of animal protection groups, which includes the RSPCA, has announced it will begin a vaccination programme in Haiti as a matter of urgency to try and stop the spread of disease amongst animals and vulnerable people.

The team - known collectively as the Animal Relief Coalition for Haiti (ARCH) - was formed specifically to deal with the Haiti crisis. It is jointly led by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) and the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW).

"After a disaster such as an earthquake, when many people have lost their homes and health services are under huge additional pressure, there is an increased risk of disease, particularly those that can spread between human and animal populations," said Coralie Farren, RSPCA international aid officer.

"To try and combat this, the ARCH team will travel to different parts of Haiti to administer veterinary treatment, vaccination and feed for both pets and livestock."
 

Helping to rebuild services for people and their animals

ARCH is forming a plan with the government of Haiti to help rebuild services for people and their animals. This is likely to include the following.
 

• Massive vaccination for cows, sheep, goats, horses / donkeys and other hoofed animals.
  
  
   
• Setting up scientific monitoring and surveys on Newcastle and Gumboro diseases, which specifically infect chickens and poultry.
   
• Public awareness campaigns to encourage people to bring their animals to the facilities that ARCH is helping to put in place.
   
• Refreshing and training vets and public health workers.
   
• Setting up solar powered clinics and/or mobile clinics, as well as purchasing equipment such as thermoses, ice coolers and refrigerators as some medications need to be kept cool, to support vaccination and treatment operations.
   
• Purchasing other consumables as required, such as medicines, vaccines, etc., and distributing these to the necessary department and/or community.
   

You can get the latest on our efforts in Haiti with ARCH and how you can help at:

www.rspca.org.uk/in-action/international/emergencyresponse/haiti