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Haiti earthquake response
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| In the wake of the devastating Haiti earthquake, Oxfam provided safe water for thousands of displaced people. |
Thanks to overwhelming support from the public, Oxfam reached more than 500,000 people with its earthquake response programme, and 700,000 people with cholera-prevention activities in 2010. And in 2011, as emergency relief turned to reconstruction, we've reached a further 532,000 people with our work in camps and as they move back to life in the wider community.
With your help we have provided:
- Clean drinking water and sanitation facilities to 500,000 people.
- Over 300 million litres of clean water to the camps every month.
- Public health education for over 210,000 people
- Shelter for 94,000 people.
- Livelihoods and food security programmes to 209,095 people.
- Cash-for-work and cash grants to over 125,000 people.
Oxfam's progress two years on
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| On film: two years on from the Haiti earthquake. |
In 2011 our work focused on providing safe water and sanitation, economic development and job creation and rebuilding communities.
Today, 550,000 people are still living in camps in tents and under tarpaulins. Oxfam's focus has now shifted from direct activities in camps to longer-term initiatives. We have been training local people to take ownership of programmes within the camps, and have established a number of programmes in inner-city neighborhoods and rural areas outside Port-au-Prince.
The slow road to reconstruction
The reconstruction of earthquake-stricken Haiti has proceeded at a snail’s pace, with more than half a million people still homeless. In a new report, we have urged the Haitian Government and countries that have pledged money for rebuilding to accelerate reconstruction of the country.
- Read our report Haiti: The slow road to reconstruction. Two years after the earthquake (PDF 400kb)
On film: Work and recovery in Port-au-Prince—and beyond
Unemployment and food shortages are two of the main obstacles that people face as they start to rebuild their lives.
With short-term work projects, grants, and loans, Oxfam is helping earthquake survivors get back on their feet. Work is the foundation of recovery. Jobs help people meet their basic needs. Once their children are fed and there is a roof over their heads, Haitians can turn their energy to rebuilding their country.
More progress needed on reconstruction
To deal with the challenges created by the earthquake, the new Haitian government and the international community need to work together to help people move out of displacement camps and start to rebuild their lives. Oxfam believes this can be achieved by:
- Investment in public infrastructure projects that put people to work and build skills.
- Allocating land for new houses.
- Investment in agriculture.
The international community can to support these efforts by increasing the capacity and accountability of Haitian institutions.
An ongoing response
Beyond meeting the immediate needs of people, Oxfam is advocating that long-term reconstruction must focus on four key areas:
- Support for Haitian farmers and small business
- Ensuring poor areas benefit from cash grants to speed economic recovery
- Support for civil society and the Haitian government
- Building back better with earthquake proof buildings and alternative fuel sources to reduce deforestation.
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| Marceline, Sabine and David in their temporary shelter at the Coraille relocation camp where Oxfam is also providing water, sanitation and public health activities. |
Stories from Haiti
Oxfam reached thousands of people in the first six months following the earthquake. Here are some of their stories:
Helping those most in need
As the response continues, Oxfam will work to make sure we reach those least able to protect themselves in this emergency, such as women, girls, the elderly and disabled.
Thank you
Oxfam wishes to thank everyone who gave generously to the Haiti appeal. With your help and support we have been able to respond successfully to one of the most devastating humanitarian crises in recent times.
To help us respond immediately to future emergencies, please support Oxfam's Disaster response fund.
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