Since the earthquake hit Haiti six months ago, we have treated more than 25,000 sick or injured animals there. The backbone of our operation is the mobile veterinary clinic, which has been going into earthquake-stricken neighbourhoods giving aid and vaccinations to thousands of dogs, cats, goats, cattle, horses and other animals.
We’ve also started to repair the wall around Haiti’s National Veterinary Laboratory and main lab infrastructure, which fell during the earthquake. We’re about to install 24 solar-powered refrigeration units: these are essential for storing animal vaccinations.
Later this month, we’re going to launch a public awareness campaign, “Publigestion,” to educate Haitians about disaster preparation, pet care and health issues related to their pets and families. We’ll also be conducting Haiti’s first-ever dog and cat survey, which will help evaluate the country’s pet population, monitor the number of rabies cases and establish what lab equipment is needed.
No matter what challenges the country may face in the future, we’re confident that the people of Haiti will be much better prepared. As Haitian vet Dr. Jean Francois Thomas said, January 12 was a wake-up call for everybody in the country. Haitians will not be caught by surprise again.
If you want to see for yourself what we’re doing, watch this video:
