My friend, Dr. Elias Hernandez, went to Haiti in the aftermath of the devastating earthquake to help out.
A brief summary of his trip is below.
Haiti was a mind changing experience in many ways.
The amount of need is overwhelming.
My impression: The country was in a deep financial crisis prior to the earthquake, their infrastructure was very weak - public health, social service, human rights and education - and the added loss of human lives, jobs, buildings and schools. The country has a long recovery to come.
We helped seeing patients at a hospital in Diquini; also helped in a clinic by the hospital, and one trip to the community. Most of the illness we took care was related to respiratory infections, skin, GI problems, Psychological trauma and a few follow ups for wounds and fractures.
The great majority were children.
My hope for this beautiful people: government responsibility, remove corruption, improve human rights for women and children, a fast opening of jobs and reconstruction of a city with better codes anti-earthquakes.
I am looking forward to go back to Haiti.
Elias Hernandez, M.D.
February 22, 2010
I liked him a lot as a friend before this, but my respect for him has soared after reading of his trip.
God bless you, Elias.
Always!
