Photo: 2010 Evelyn Hockstein/CARE

CARE successfully distributed hygiene kits on January 21^st in Pétion-ville, a suburb east of Port-au-Prince.  After assessing and registering new mothers and pregnant and elderly women on Wednesday, CARE staff distributed the kits and ensured that registered women were given top priority.  The hygiene kits contained essentials, such as soap, toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo, detergent, toilet paper and sanitary napkins. 

Patrick Solomon, CARE’s USA VSP, described the distribution process in his field notes from Thursday:

“The distribution was a joint effort between the local police, the municipality and CARE.  It went flawless.  The process was ordered and the recipients were so glad to receive the kits.  This was especially gratifying not only because CARE was able to deliver, but the fact that needs were being met…There was a woman, who gave birth the day of the earthquake, and came this morning with her newborn in hand to receive a hygiene kit.  Another women, who gave birth two days ago, and thus, could not registered yesterday received the kit directly from CARE staff instead of having to stand in line.”

 

CARE’s response effort in Haiti is continuing to gain momentum as the flow of aid materials arriving in Haiti steadily increases. On January 20^th, a CARE shipment of tents, hygiene kits, first aid kits and blankets arrived in Port-au-Prince, along with additional water purification supplies.  Trucks, warehouses, and fuel are also becoming more available, which will ensure that CARE’s distribution of water and hygiene kits continues.  CARE staff are expecting a large shipment of high-energy food to arrive next week.   

 

-May Yu, Citizen Effect Project Manager