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National Society of the Haitian Red Cross Annual report of activities for 2011

© Haitian Red Cross, 2012

This report may be copied and translated into other languages, in full or in part, for non-commercial purposes, provided that the source is clearly indicated.

Cover photo: a little girl receiving a hug from a Red Cross volunteer. Volunteers played a vital role in providing valuable psychosocial support after the tragedy which so deeply traumatized thousands of children/IFRC.

NATIONAL SOCIETY OF THE HAITIAN RED CROSSAvenue Maïs-Gâté, route de l’AéroportPort-au-Prince, Haiti HTR 6110Internet site: http://www.croixrouge.ht

National Society of the Haitian Red Cross, Annual Report of Activities for 2011 1219900 F 03/2012

Mission of the Haitian Red CrossTo protect the lives and dignity of the most vulnerable, to provide them with relief in case of emergency, help them rehabilitate in a sustainable fashion and protect themselves against the harmful effects of disasters through the dissemination of information and training – this is the ultimate goal set by the National Society of the Haitian Red Cross.

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Haitian Red Cross

Annual report of activities for 2011

Table of contentsWord from the President 3

List of acronyms 5

Executive summary 7

01. Introduction 9

02. Activities carried out in 2011 111. Disaster preparedness and risk reduction 11

2. Health care 15

3. Blood Management Unit 24

4. National ambulance service 26

5. Training Centre [TC] 28

6. Structural and organizational capacity-building 29

7. Dissemination and Communication Unit 33

03. Priorities for 2012 35

04. Annexes 37I. Disaster preparedness and risk reduction 37

II. Health care 39

III. Blood Management Unit 42

IV. National Ambulance Unit 43

V. Training Centre (TC) 45

Haitian Red Cross


A young volunteer from the Haitian Red Cross manning a first aid station at Corail Cesselesse camp during the Ram concert. The medical post was set up in an ambulance donated by the German Red Cross. José Manuel Jimenez/IFRC.

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Word from the President

This report covers the activities of the National Society of the Haitian Red

Cross for the 2011 calendar year.

In 2010, following the loss of human life and the property damage wrought

by the earthquake of 12 January of that same year, our institution devoted all

its efforts to providing relief for the victims of this natural disaster. In 2011,

however, it was necessary to rebuild the National Society, as it had also been

sorely affected by the earthquake. The premises of the headquarters, which

had been listed as a historical building by the Institute for the Preservation of

the National Heritage (ISPAN), located in rue Éden au Bicentenaire, was dam-

aged beyond repair, as were the premises of the National Blood Transfusion

Centre, located in rue des Miracles, the annex of the HRC headquarters, lo-

cated in rue Deprez, and the headquarters of the regional Red Cross office

in Jacmel, also premises listed as a historical building by ISPAN. Worse still,

many volunteers, administrative and technical staff members, and Governing

Board members were hard hit by this terrible disaster. Some lost members

of their families, others lost their homes, while a few others lost both their

spouses and their homes in one cruel blow. We who barely managed to survive

are still haunted by these painful memories.

The rebuilding effort referred to above means our diligent quest, carried out in

full dignity, with our partners of the International Movement of the Red Cross

and Red Crescent, to relocate fully in new premises, to restructure and to get

on with our mission, namely, working alongside the authorities in their hu-

manitarian endeavours to improve the living conditions of vulnerable groups.

Just as they have been filled with compassion for the displaced, many of whom

are still living in makeshift camps, and have mobilized the entire world to

assist them, our partners within the Movement have shown solidarity with

the HRC. Indeed, our institution is in the process of rehabilitation, restruc-

turing and modernization. It remains a key national player in the service of

the Haitian people. These present and future capacities also position it on

the regional scene, because it has large quantities of emergency equipment

and materials on the one hand, and on the other hand a critical mass of well-

trained volunteers and staff endowed with the necessary sense of responsi-

bility to bring all relief operations to a successful conclusion.

We take the opportunity of the publication of the Report of Activities of

the Haitian Red Cross for 2011 to express our gratitude to all of our stead-

fast and untiring volunteers and staff members; to express our thanks to-

wards the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies,

the International Committee of the Red Cross, and all of the sister National

Societies which have remained by our side in this difficult path towards

rebirth. Our thanks also go to all of the bodies of the Haitian State and

Government which have supported and facilitated our work. The press and

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Haitian Red Cross


institutions of civil society have placed their trust in us. We are grateful for

their confidence, because this has been a real help and has enabled us to press

ahead with our mission.

There is still much to be done. But we will manage. We just have to believe it. I

wish all those for whom this report is intended pleasant reading.

Port-au-Prince, 3 March 2012

Michaèle AMÉDÉE GÉDÉON, M.D., M.P.H.President of the Haitian Red Cross

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Haitian Red Cross


List of acronyms

AIDS Aquired Immuno-deficiency Syndrome

BTC Blood Transfusion Centre

BTP Blood Transfusion Post

CBHFA Community-based Health and First Aid

CCEI Coordinating Centre for Emergency Intervention

CCEO Community Centre for Emergency Operations

CHFA Community Health and First Aid

CTC Cholera Treatment Centre

CTU Cholera Treatment Unit

DG-ECHO Director-General of the European Community Humanitarian Office

DHSA Department of Health and Social Action

DMD Disaster Management Department

ECV Epidemics Control for Volunteers

EET Emergency Evaluation Team

ERU Emergency Response Unit

HIV Human immunodeficiency virus

HRC Haitian Red Cross

ICRC International Committee of the Red Cross

IFRC International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies

IMC International Medical Corps

ITT Infection transmitted by transfusion

MPHP Ministry of Public Health and Population

NBTC National Blood Transfusion Centre

NBTP National Blood Transfusion Programme

NCEO National Centre for Emergency Operations

NMC National Meteorological Centre

NS National Society

OCHA Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs

ORP Oral rehydration point

ORS Oral rehydration serum

PADRU Pan American Disaster Response Unit

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PMER Planning, monitoring & evaluation and reporting

PNP Participating National Society

PSP Psychosocial Support Programme

PSRDM Permanent Secretariat for Risk and Disaster Management

STI Sexually transmitted infection

SUHH State University Hospital of Haiti

UNAIDS Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS

UNDP United Nations Development Programme

UNFPA United Nations Population Fund

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Executive summary

2011 was a year full of challenges but also full of achievements for the Haitian

Red Cross (HRC).

The earthquake which hit in January 2010 affected not only the country but also

the response capacity of the Haitian Red Cross. Accordingly, to respond as best

possible to the new or recurrent needs of the Haitian people, the HRC revised

its strategic plan for 2010-2015 and developed action plans for the three pillars

of its work: disaster preparedness and risk reduction, health care and blood

management, while paying constant attention to the other sectors of activity.

For example, the Disaster Management Department worked to strengthen the

skills and capacity of not only communities but also HRC staff. Relevant ac-

tivities included training courses, awareness-building efforts, mock drills, and

coordination meetings with national partners in the field of disaster response.

The Department also worked to draft and develop contingency schemes and

operational plans at national and regional level.

The Department for Health and Social Action (DHSA) carried out several

training courses and awareness-building campaigns in its four activity fields:

community health, emergency health, HIV/AIDS control, and psychosocial sup-

port. At the same time, the Department also responded to the cholera epidemic

by working together with the IFRC Secretariat to treat cholera victims.

The Blood Management Unit was the third pillar of the 2010-2015 strategy of

the Haitian Red Cross. The Unit continued to collect blood, to raise awareness of

voluntary non-remunerated blood donation, and to retain blood donors thanks

to the active participation of young Club 25 members.

The HRC Ambulance Unit continued to respond to emergencies and tend to the

wounded and sick. Thanks to gifts from several Participating National Societies,

the Unit was able to procure new vehicles and an ambulance boat, enabling it to

improve the quality and speed of patient response.

The Training Centre hosted several training courses for HRC staff, members of

the RCRC Movement, outside partners and above all communities. The Centre

developed new training modules and moved into new premises, which allowed

it to broaden its range of training courses and offer them in much better condi-

tions.

In parallel, the Haitian Red Cross received the support of Participating National

Societies as well as that of the Secretariat of the international Federation of Red

Cross and Red Crescent Societies, backing its efforts to strengthen its structural

and organizational capacities at both the regional and national level.

Haitian Red Cross


8

The Dissemination and Communication Unit also organized training courses,

not only for the benefit of HRC volunteers but also in support of HRC teams,

in particular by airing messages during Radyo Kwawouj broadcasts on Radio

Caraïbes and Radio One.

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01. Introduction

The year 2011 was marked by major changes in Haiti. One year after the earth-

quake which measured 7.0 on the Richter scale and wrought havoc throughout

the country on 12 January 2010, more than one million displaced persons have

left the camps; presidential elections have been held, as a result of which a new

President has taken up office and a new government is in place; and the number

of reported cases of cholera has declined.

Signs of progress are clear, yet the humanitarian situation remains delicate:

810,000 persons1 are still living in the camps in extremely precarious health

conditions; as is the case every year, the hurricane season poses a threat to

the country – especially to vulnerable, earthquake-stricken communities – and

cholera is still rife.

In this constantly changing humanitarian and political context, the Haitian

Red Cross has continued its efforts to help the most underprivileged and the

persons affected by the earthquake and cholera.

In order to situate its work in a sustainable framework, the Haitian Red Cross

has proceeded to revise the Strategic Plan 2010-2015 that was adopted by its

General Assembly in November 2009. This has given it a road map to respond to

the new needs of the public created by the recent natural disasters while con-

tinuing to develop its core activities.

Consistent with the Strategy 2020 and the Interamerican Plan 2007-2011, the

Haitian Red Cross has therefore decided to focus on risk reduction by strength-

ening its disaster management capacities (Pillar I of its strategic plan), de-

veloping health programmes (Pillar II of its strategic plan), and pursuing its

endeavours to improve blood transfusion service nationwide (Pillar III of its

strategic plan).

1. Information from the Cluster Coordination Camp Management administered by IOM dated 7 January 2011. http://www.eshelter-cccmhaiti.info/jl/pdf/dtm_v2_report_07_Jan_11_english.pdf.

01.

Introduction

Haitian Red Cross


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Parallel to these three pillars, the Haitian Red Cross continues to meet the

needs of the Haitian people by providing an ambulance service and by devel-

oping the capacities and activities of its Training Centre.

DISASTERS

PreparednessCommunitiesInstitutional

InterventionLocal

RegionalNational

HEALTH

Community health

Health in emergency situations

HIV/AIDS

Prehospital services

BLOOD

Regular donors

International accreditation

Decentralized screening services

Pre- and post-screening counselling

Infrastructure

Financial management

Human resources management

Development of sections

Communications

Project management

Organizational development

Mobilization of resources

Volunteer management

Cooperation principles

NSHRC: FOCUSING ON RISK REDUCTION

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02. Activities carried out in 2011

1. Disaster preparedness and risk reduction

The Republic of Haiti, like most of the countries of the Caribbean, is prone to

natural disasters or man-made risks. Due to Haiti’s geographical location, its

geological characteristics and its current level of development, rendered fragile

by the recent earthquake, the country is even more vulnerable to many dif-

ferent forms of natural hazards (hurricanes, storms, floods, landslides and

mudslides), not to mention the impact of drought or epidemics.

Given the highly vulnerable status of 80 per cent of the Haitian people, in both

rural and urban areas, hydrometeorological phenomena have the potential to

wreak havoc at the local, regional and national level. This situation is aggra-

vated by the extreme poverty, uncontrolled urbanization of urban centres and

a lack of stormwater drainage systems, not to mention the 810,000 displaced

persons2 who were still living in the camps at the beginning of 2011, a year after

the earthquake.

Based on this analysis of the country’s status, the Haitian Red Cross has de-

cided to attach special importance to risk and disaster management in order

to prepare and train the public on how to react in case of a disaster but also to

prepare regional and local branches to respond adequately to the needs gener-

ated by a disaster.

The Haitian Red Cross is a fully fledged member of the national disaster risk

management system. It is represented on all levels of decision-making bodies

(National Council and Permanent Secretariat for Disaster Risk Management. In

addition, it forms one of the operational arms in terms of disaster risk manage-

ment, just like the Civil Defence Department alongside the State. Moreover, the

HRC is part of the operational structures for coordinating responses to crises

and disasters (National Emergency Operations Centre, or NEOC, departmental

(DEOC), or community (CEOC).2. Idem.

02.

Activities carried out in 2011

Mule financed by the Kouri Di Vwazen ‘w project and donated to the Regional Committee of Nord-Est. Each of the 13 Regional Committees received a mule to help them reach isolated communities during awareness-building sessions and training courses. HRC.

Haitian Red Cross


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The Disaster Management Department (DMD) of the Haitian Red Cross has set

itself the goal of ensuring that communities are better prepared and better

organized to combat the effects of natural disasters and to recognize the steps

that must be taken to reduce potential risks.

In the course of 2011, the Disaster Management Department worked to

strengthen the skills of HRC staff and volunteers by organizing training courses

and by taking part in mock drills. For example, training courses were held for

HRC volunteers and officers. In all, 531 HRC technicians and volunteers were

trained in various fields relating to disaster management (see attached reca-

pitulative table of training).

Two brainstorming sessions were also conducted in the context of disaster pre-

vention and response, with members of the HRC Governing Board, Chairs of the

Regional Committees, Movement partners and representatives of governmental

authorities in attendance. The brainstorming session held on 25 June 2011 was

devoted to the topic “A properly functioning National Society”.

During the second round of presidential elections and the legislative elections

held in March 2011, the DMD, together with the other HRC departments, de-

ployed its staff and its volunteer network in the streets and near the polling

offices in order to maximize proximity to the public with a view to retaining con-

trol of the situation and meeting any needs. The same approach had been used

a few weeks before during the three days of Carnaval. The teams from the DMD

and the other HRC departments marched at the head of the procession along the

path of the floats before prepositioning themselves in strategic places in order

to be constantly prepared to respond in case of need. This approach allowed

the HRC to show that it was present on the Carnaval premises and generated a

feeling of trust among the people participating in these nationwide events.

With a view to promoting an integrated approach to the activities implemented

by the different actors of the Movement, the unit in charge of the commu-

nity approach inside the Disaster Management Department carried out sev-

eral mock exercises (simulated evacuations due to flooding) and took part in

the mock evacuation drill organized by the Spanish Red Cross at the “La Piste”

camp for displaced persons, where the IFRC Secretariat built temporary housing

and health infrastructures for disabled persons living in the camp. Other drills

were carried out, especially at Port-au-Prince International Airport (in case of a

plane crash) and in case of an earthquake and a tsunami. These mock drills on

practical situations will form part of field simulations in 2012.

Morever, in July 2011, the Disaster Management Department also took part in

the mock drill whereby the Civil Defence Department brought together govern-

mental authorities, humanitarian actors (OCHA, UNDP, MINUSTAH), donors

(DG-ECHO in particular) and HRC Partipating National Societies with a view

to organizing and coordinating cyclone response mechanisms. Disaster alert

and response plans and mechanisms were activated twice in 2011, in prepara-

tion for tropical storm Emily and Cyclone Irene. After receiving an orange alert

warning from the National Meteorological Centre (NMC), the Haitian Red Cross

activated the crisis unit for directing operations for responding to tropical storm

Mock drill at La Piste camp for displaced persons. Evacuation

of persons towards a temporary shelter at Delmas. HRC.

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Haitian Red Cross


Emily and cyclone Irene (see the attached disaster response coordination schema). All

national and regional HRC actors involved in disaster management were mo-

bilized in order to ensure nationwide coverage in case of impact. Loudspeaker

awareness-building campaigns were carried out in all of the country’s départe-

ments. In Port-au-Prince, awareness-building messages were disseminated in

the camps and neighbourhoods via trucks equipped with sound systems and

awareness-building teams. In addition, DMD teams evacuated vulnerable fami-

lies living in the south-east of the country or in the camps at Port-au-Prince.

Within the framework of its disaster preparedness responsibilities, the Disaster

Management Department, in coordination with the services for Health,

Ambulances, Communications, Youth, Information and Telecommunications

and the Regional Committees, met in a workshop in August 2011 to work out

a joint emergency response strategy. In the same vein, contingency plans for

the cyclone season were developed for each of the country’s 10 départments. In

order to respond rapidly and effectively to disaster victims and in line with con-

tingency mechanisms, the DMD prepositioned emergency stockpiles for 25,000

families in 13 Regional Committees (see table below).

With regard to efforts to strengthen communities’ capacity to react in case of

disasters, the DMD, mindful of its mission of helping vulnerable population

groups, decided to launch a project called “Kouri Di

Vwazen’w”, Edition 2011. This project provided an

awareness-building tool for informing the public

about the right behaviour to adopt before, during

and after a cyclone.

In 2011, cyclones were not the only type of hazard

covered at the awareness-building sessions organ-

ized in public places and door-to-door, which were

carried out by HRC volunteers. The risks of flooding,

earthquake, fire, tsunami and cholera were also

discussed with target communities. This project

is geared to increasing awareness among the most

vulnerable population groups, some of which live in

isolated areas and often lack access to the media or

information in the event of a disaster.

The President of the Nat ional Society, her

Executive Director, the Chairs of the 13 regions of

the Haitian Red Cross, the Head of Delegation of

the IFRC Secretariat, representatives of the Civil

Defence Department, Governing Board mem-

bers, representatives of the El Salvador Reference

Centre, National Society officers and representa-

tives of the Participating National Societies which

funded the project as well as representatives of the

Haitian press were present at the official launch,

on Saturday, 10 September, of the project “Kouri Di

Vwazen’w”, Edition 2011.

Region Number of prepositioned kits

Hinche 3,000

Cap-Haïtien 1,200

Gonaïves 500

Port de Paix 1,000

Fort-Liberté 800

St Marc 1,000

Petit Goâves 500

Anse-à-Veau 500

Léogâne 500

Les Cayes 1,000

Jacmel 1,000

Jérémie 1,000

Port-au-Prince 13,000

TOTAL 25,000

Haitian Red Cross


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The DMD implemented the project in 109 communities in 10 départements.

During the four months of project implementation, the project made it possible

to train 218 community focal points. One of the key activities of the project

was the purchase of a mule for each of the 13 HRC Regional Committees to en-

able more rapid transmission of warnings to remote localities which cannot be

reached by bicycle, motorcycle or car.

The Edition 2011 of the project was implemented thanks to the financial sup-

port of the German Red Cross, the American Red Cross, the British Red Cross,

the Canadian Red Cross, the Spanish Red Cross, the French Red Cross, the

Netherlands Red Cross and the Norwegian Red Cross.

Thanks to funding from the European Community Humanitarian Office

(DG-ECHO), the HRC Disaster Management Department was further able to

strengthen its own institutional mechanisms and build its capacity for re-

sponding for disasters by equipping itself with tools chosen jointly and harmo-

nized with other disaster management actors in Haiti, by establishing strong

cooperation ties with the Civil Defence Department, and by developing strate-

gies and action plans for HRC’s 13 regional branches.

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2. Health care

Health-care problems in Haiti are a major obstacle to public well-being and

pose a real challenge, not only for the Ministry of Public Health and Population

but also for all actors operating in the health field. These problems were exac-

erbated by the earthquake of 12 January 2010, by life in the camps, and by the

outbreak of the cholera epidemic in October 2010.

To cope with these challenges, the HRC’s Department for Health and Social

Action has set itself the goal of promoting healthier and safer lifestyles by de-

veloping its capacities for community mobilization, in order to have a lasting

impact on public health in case of emergency or within the framework of long-

term health programmes.

The Department for Health and Social Action focuses on four main complemen-

tary programmes: community health, emergency health, reproductive health

and HIV/AIDS control, and psychosocial support.

(a) Community healthThe Haitian Red Cross uses the Community-based Health and First Aid (CBHFA)

approach developed by the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.

The purpose is to train communities and community volunteers to identify

health priorities, thereby developing a long-term response to any epidemics that

break out in the country. This training method, which is based on the skills and

capacities of the communities themselves, is aimed at preventing disease, mini-

mizing the impact of disasters and epidemics, and promoting healthy behaviour.

By relying on its CBHFA training tool, the National Society organizes training

courses for its own volunteers, four community volunteers and four community

representatives.

A volunteer from the Psychological Support Programme tending to a cholera victim treated at La Piste CTC. Jérôme Grimaud/HRC.

Awareness-building session on hygiene practices for cholera prevention, Lamentin Camp-Carrefour Feuille. Jérôme Grimaud/HRC.

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CBHFA activities started in February 2011 and were implemented in seven lo-

calities divided up among three Regional Committees. Between February and

December 2011, a total of 30 senior trainers and 32 facilitators were trained

in CBHFA methodology via the Community Health Unit in the localities of

Arcahaie, La Piste, Gressier, Léogane, Petit Goave (a regional branch of Ouest),

Jacmel (a regional branch of Sud-Est), and Saut d’Eau (a regional branch of Bas-

Plateau Central).

In all, 164 volunteers were trained as supervisors, broken down as follows: 47

in Arcahaie with the support of the German Red Cross, 36 in Léogâne with the

support of the Federation, 2 in La Piste with the support of the British Red Cross,

24 in Saut d’Eau with the support of the Finnish Red Cross, and 26 health pro-

moters, 24 from the Watsan Department and two from the ICRC. Fifty mem-

bers of Community Health Committees were trained in the CBHFA approach

in Sud-Est (24 in La Vallée and 26 in Jacmel). In addition, 24 supervisors from all

different sites were trained in CBHFA monitoring and evaluation tools, and 1,041

community volunteers were trained in the CBHFA approach (662 in Arcahaie,

164 in Léogâne and 215 in La Piste).

In 2011, 1,317 persons were trained in CBHFA techniques, and more than 28,791

households benefited from community health activities (6,518 in Léogâne,

13,673 in Arcahaie and 8,600 in La Piste).

A technical team from headquarters helped the HRC Regional Committees to

facilitate training sessions and awareness-building sessions for community rep-

resentatives and actors and prepare health action plans.

In addition, the Community Health team took part in two international meet-

ings, one in Panama to train coordinators and delegates to use planning, moni-

toring & evaluation and reporting (PMER) tools, and the second in Geneva, at the

annual meeting of actors from the Movement, to provide CBHFA training. The

HRC’s Department for Health and Social Action worked together throughout the

year with its partners from the Movement such as the Norwegian Red Cross, the

Swedish Red Cross, the German Red Cross, the British Red Cross, the Finnish

Red Cross and the Italian Red Cross, on evaluation, preparation of action plans,

follow-up missions, and implementation of activities.

(b) Coordination of health emergenciesThe HRC’s Unit for the Coordination of Health Emergencies, unlike the

Community Health Unit, develops activities with regard to health emergency

responses and epidemiological surveillance. These two services are comple-

mentary and ensure comprehensive coverage of public health needs.

•Cholera control In connection with efforts to respond to the cholera epidemic, the Haitian Red

Cross, with the support of the Federation Secretariat, managed two Cholera

Treatment Centres (CTCs) with a 44-bed capacity in Carrefour Feuille as well

as a Cholera Treatment Unit (CTU) with a 27-bed capacity in Port-à-Piment.

The two CTCs admitted and treated 6,737 cholera victims in 2011.

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With regard to capacity-building efforts, 123 volunteers from the HRC’s 13

branches were trained to care for cholera victims in the CTCs and to treat

water.

Also within the framework of efforts to respond to the cholera epidemic, the

IFRC Secretariat and the HRC introduced joint activities to stop the disease

from spreading. Some 530 volunteers received cholera prevention training

in the 13 regional branches, and 150 volunteers were trained to disinfect the

homes of persons who contracted the disease.

Efforts to treat cholera victims were backed by prevention activities organized

throughout the country by means of awareness-building sessions and the pro-

motion of hygiene associated with the distribution of soap, oral rehydration

serum or water disinfectant (aquatabs) (see attached distribution table). These

activities benefited some 35,110 people in 2011.

Moreover, with a view to allowing an immediate response in the case of a

cholera outbreak, cholera prevention kits were prepositioned in all 13 regions

between July and August 2011 in anticipation of the second rainy season (see

attached table of prepositioned kits). The Haitian Red Cross also prepositioned

water and health relief materials in Île de la Gonâve, Île-à-Vache and Port-au-

Prix. Intensified cholera response efforts also took the form of the distribution

of 1,000 Cholera albums designed to encourage beneficiaries to adopt the right

behavior.

The HRC’s Department of Health and Social Action also participated in the

“Wash Your Hands” Week in October 2011 by supervising sanitation activities,

by installing water points at various key sites in certain neighborhoods and by

distributing soap and brochures. In addition, at the various patron saint festi-

vals, more than 30 public places for washing hands were set up in nine localities.

•Epidemics control training for volunteers In order to improve the response to epidemics, in particular cholera epidemics,

an epidemics control programme was introduced in all 13 branches. Since

July 2011, a series of training courses on Epidemics Control for Volunteers

(ECV) have been carried out. In July and August 2011, 80 senior trainers,

five per region, were trained in the HRC’s 13 branches in ECV methodology.

Between September and December 2011, 407 HRC volunteers were trained in

ECV methodology in four regional HRC branches (Haut Artibonite, La Gonâve,

Sud and Ouest).

The purpose of these training courses was to take action, before the next rainy

season, to set up community epidemic control teams (to combat cholera and

other epidemics linked to water contamination) in all 13 regional branches.

During these different training courses, 500 kits (bags, picture albums on

cholera and malaria prevention activities) were distributed to the teams as

training aids.

At the same time, the process of translating the epidemics control training

guide into Creole was launched in October 2011, with the recruitment of a

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Haitian Red Cross


consultant. The translation was finalized in December 2011. A joint team of

the Haitian Red Cross and the Ministry of Public Health and Population is in

the process of finalizing the selection and contextual adaptation of the guide’s

illustrations, with a view to its final validation by the Ministry in the first half

of 2012.

•Malaria control With regard to malaria prevention, distribution campaigns preceded by

awareness-building drives were organized in the camps of displaced persons

in Port-au-Prince (La Piste, Annexe de la Mairie), in Léogâne and in certain

vulnerable communities. For example, nearly 12,000 insecticide-treated mos-

quito nets were handed out to some 25,500 beneficiaries between February

and November 2011.

These epidemics control efforts were made possible thanks to the financial

support of the Federation Secretariat and the Participating National Societies,

including the Australian Red Cross, the Czech Red Cross, the Swedish Red

Cross, the Korean Red Cross and the Japanese Red Cross.

(c) Sexual and reproductive health and HIV/AIDSBefore the earthquake, UNAIDS and WHO estimated that there were 120,000

persons living with HIV in the country, 53 per cent of whom were women. Before

the earthquake, the HIV prevalence rate was 2.2 per cent, representing 47 per

cent of all persons living with HIV in the Caribbean.

On the whole, the negative impact of HIV/AIDS on health, economy and society

has continued to be felt disproportionately in Haiti, due to limited access to health

care, extreme poverty, stigmatization and discrimination linked to HIV/AIDS.

Post-earthquake risks linked to HIV/AIDS transmission have considerably in-

creased and are primarily due to high-risk sexual

behavior, as reflected by the number of unwanted

pregnancies (above all among the young) in the

camps as well as an increase in gender-based vio-

lence and transactional and transgenerational sex.

In addition, damaged government infrastructures,

population movements and competing health pri-

orities have hindered the introduction of adequate

responses to the problem of HIV AIDS as well as the

distribution of antiretrovirals.

The Hait ian Red Cross is a member of the

Federation’s Global Alliance on HIV and has

achieved a great deal in respect of HIV/AIDS, par-

ticularly with regard to peer education, by using

the modified methodology “Together We Can”. The

Haitian Red Cross held the post of Vice-Chair of the

Global Fund’s Country Coordinating Mechanism

(CCM) for two years (between 2004 and 2006); it is

Development of HIV/AIDS in Haiti

Reported for the first time in 1979, HIV infections in Haiti increased up until the early 1990s, after which prevalence began to decline, particularly in urban areas. HIV prevalence among pregnant women coming in for prenatal consultations dropped from 5.9 per cent in 1996 to 3.1 per cent in 2004. However, the decline seems to have stabilized at 2.2 per cent prevalence in recent years.

Even though positive behavioral changes may be partly responsible for the overall drop, high levels of high-risk behavior have persisted, particularly in rural areas and among the young.

19

Haitian Red Cross


currently an ex officio member of the CCM, ena-

bling it to lobby for greater efforts to deal with HIV/

AIDS (as well as malaria and tuberculosis).

Within the framework of its commitment to the

Global Alliance and with the support of the IFRC

Secretariat and Participating National Societies, the

Haitian Red Cross is endeavoring to enhance the

impact of its HIV/AIDS programme by focusing on:

Ô the prevention of new infections;

Ô the reduction of stigmatization and discrimi-

nation.

Basing itself on these guidelines, the Unite for

Reproductive Health and Control of Sexually Transmitted Infections organized

six training courses for 125 community focal points. The courses covered the

use of the methodology “Together We Can” (Ansan nou Kapab in Creole). Thirteen

coordinators and field supervisors from the regions of Sud and Sud-Est took ad-

vantage of these training courses implemented in conjunction with the execu-

tion of an HIV/AIDS control project backed by the Netherlands Red Cross.

During the holidays, a total of 310 volunteers were sensitized to STI/HIV/AIDS

and family planning in the regions of Nord, Nord-Ouest and Nord-Est.

The volunteer teams and community focal points trained went on to implement

HIV prevention activities in different localities. Volunteers distributed some

173,600 condoms after demonstrating how to use them properly. Nearly 2,500

persons attended these awareness-building sessions designed to strengthen

knowledge of HIV prevention and transmission modes. To ensure broader dis-

semination of information and knowledge about HIV/AIDS, 10 radio broadcasts

were aired and 1,500 text messages as well as 4,000 brochures and posters on

HIV/AIDS awareness-building were prepared and distributed.

The Haitian Red Cross also tailored its actions to the specific cultural character-

istics of the country. For example, activities to increase awareness and promote

safe behaviour were carried out in the voodoo communities. In all, 354 persons

were reached in Haut Artibonite via three sacred courses of the voodoo cult:

Badjo, Soukri and Souvenance.

In reality, the number of persons who benefited from awareness-building efforts

and the distribution of means of protection is greater than the figure indicated

above. HIV control efforts were also carried out in connection with regional

events, such as the Port-au-Prince Carnival and the patron saint festival at Cap-

Haïtien, or as part of cholera response activities, in synergy with the activi-

ties of the other DHSA programmes. To this end, six nurses from the Arcahaie

Cholera Treatment Centre were trained as community focal points for HIV/AIDS

control, in partnership with the German Red Cross.

Within the framework of the PrevSida project of the Haitian Red Cross, a great

deal was also done to promote HIV/AIDS control efforts. The project, backed by

Awareness-building session on means of protection against the HIV virus and sexually transmissible infections. Julien Goldstein/IFRC.

20

Haitian Red Cross


the American Red Cross, is designed to make participants aware of the need for

behavioral change to reduce risk related to HIV/AIDS infection in their commu-

nities. Accordingly, 393 community members attended community meetings on

the PrevSIDA project.

In addition, 22 HRC field coordinators and four regional coordinators received

HIV/AIDS training in August 2011, and had an opportunity to attend a training

session on monitoring, evaluation and reporting methods in November 2011.

The National Society also gave 207 volunteers training in sexually transmitted

infections (STIs) and basic communication techniques during the year 2011.

HIV/AIDS prevention messages reached 20,675 young people at high risk via in-

terpersonal communication sessions organized at nine sites. The HIV/AIDS Unit

also conducted nine mass communication sessions in six communities, and

reached 34,148 persons with HIV/AIDS prevention messages during events held

to mark World AIDS Day. In addition, the Haitian Red Cross distributed 217,584

condoms during the awareness-building sessions held in 2011 in conjunction

with the PrevSIDA project.

The HIV/AIDS Control Unit took part in the monthly meetings of the

Reproductive Health Cluster to share its experience with the other partners

engaged in HIV/AIDS control. This experience was developed in various events

organized by the Ministry of Public Health and Population, in particular during

World AIDS Day. Ongoing cooperation with UNFPA gave the Unit access to con-

doms, which were distributed and used during the demonstrations carried out

as part of awareness-building campaigns.

(d) Psychosocial Support Programme (PSP)Recent Haitian history has been marked by both man-made and natural dis-

asters and crises such as political and social unrest, floods, landslides and

cyclones. The last two years saw the earthquake of 12 January 2010 and the

cholera epidemic, and were a particularly sorrowful period for the Haitian

people. In addition to poverty, exclusion, isolation and exposure to different

forms of violence also affect daily a great many children, adolescents, adults

and the elderly in communities. The people react to these situations in different

ways. In addition to the mental suffering which they often inflict, they also lead

to emotional distress, and can sometimes result in psychological problems,

which are all too often neglected. In such situations of recurrent crisis, stress,

sadness, separation or bereavement are wounds which, albeit invisible, are very

serious and painful. To help heal these invisible wounds and to try and ease

the emotional suffering besetting Haitian society, the National Society intro-

duced a nationwide Psychosocial Support Programme (PSP) in January 2010.

Through the activities carried out by volunteers, this Programme is designed to

strengthen communities’ resilience, that is, their ability to cope with, adapt to

and overcome the trials which they face on a daily basis.

In 2011, the activities carried out by over 200 PSP volunteers reached a total of

259,296 persons, primarily in 33 camps, 133 schools and five Cholera Treatment

21

Haitian Red Cross


Centres in Port-au-Prince and the département of Ouest (Port-au-Prince and its

region) (see the attached graph for the breakdown of beneficiaries by activity type).

The PSP team, which like all DHSA teams was mobilized to cope with the cholera

epidemic, has been particularly active, developing specific and innovative forms

of intervention. The team carried out a context study on community beliefs

and perceptions linked to the cholera epidemic. This study, which was taken up

by the majority of humanitarian agencies (World Health Organization, Center

for Disease Control, United Nations Office for Humanitarian Coordination) and

published in March by the review “Intervention”, helped shed light on cultural

and social factors that can hinder the cholera prevention campaign and change

the key messages.

On the basis of the conclusions and recommendations of this study, the PSP

volunteers participated in the prevention campaign by organizing discussion

groups aimed at lessening fears, beliefs and prejudices linked to the epidemic,

thereby promoting behavioral change in the community. No fewer than 4,426

awareness-building actions were carried out in 2011, reaching a total of 118,582

beneficiaries. These efforts, which specifically tackled the psychosocial aspects

of the epidemic, were broadened to include key actors, in particular the voodoo

community (130 voodoo priests and priestesses reached) and journalists (70

journalists reached).

For the first time in connection with the Movement’s response to a cholera

epidemic, volunteers were also mobilized directly in five Cholera Treatment

Centres to provide psychological first aid to particularly isolated and stigma-

tized victims. More than 16,312 children, adults and the elderly undergoing

treatment in five CTCs were assisted by specially trained volunteers (see the

graph for the breakdown of beneficiaries by age group).

Among other major PSP activities carried out over the past year, 2,162 semi-

structured socio-athletic and psychosocial workshops were run. The socio-

athletic workshops primarily consisted of recreational activities and games,

combined with an effort to increase awareness and transmit values through

sport. The psychosocial workshops are structured activities which focus on

themes and objectives conducive to strengthening individual and community

resilience via the learning of life skills. They are designed to promote the fol-

lowing in particular:

Ô emotional well-being, that is, the ability to know oneself better, and to

recognize and manage one stress, emotional needs and feelings;

Ô social well-being, that is, the ability to live in harmony and develop posi-

tive interactions with others, peers, members of one’s family and of the

community more broadly;

Ô the strengthening of the necessary skills and capacities to lead a bal-

anced life, such as the ability to communicate better, to concentrate or

to manage one’s conflicts without violence and to look after one’s health

and personal hygiene.

In 2011, 112,340 persons were reached by these activities, mainly in the camps

for displaced persons located in and around communities in Pétion-ville,

22

Haitian Red Cross


Carrefour, Léogâne, Petit-Goâve and La Piste. Three non-formal schools (see

explanations in box) were attended by 5,221 children. Over the summer holi-

days, summer camps were organized in July and August in the communities of

Léogâne, Petit-Goâve and La Piste.

Another high point in 2011 was the formation of a national emergency response

team specialized in psychosocial support. Two hundred volunteers organized

into 20 teams attached to the 13 regional branches

were trained and equipped to provide psychoso-

cial support in emergency situations. These teams

intervened on three occasions during the cyclone

season, in particular in Ennery (Artibonide), where

nearly 800 families (some 4000 people) were af-

fected by floods.

In addition to the 200 volunteers trained throughout

the country, the PSP facilitated sessions concerning

awareness-building and training in psychosocial

needs and psychosocial support for 427 health vol-

unteers (ECVs), 25 representatives of the Scouts of

Haiti, and 90 representatives of UNICEF partner

community organizations.

Non-formal schools

Non-formal schools are for children who are not able, for financial or social reasons, to attend school or for those who are obliged, for the same reasons, to drop out of school early. They do not follow the usual curriculum, as they cater to students whose school attendance has been interrupted, and are primarily geared to teaching basic reading, writing and math skills that are vital for life in society.

Children participating in PSP activities. Jérôme Grimaud/HRC.

23

Haitian Red Cross


Yet another key event in 2011 was the formal establishment of a six-member

consortium committed to backing and promoting the Programme until 2015.

The HRC’s Psychosocial Support Programme was backed by the Norwegian,

Italian and Icelandic Red Cross, the IFRC and the ICRC. The Danish Red Cross,

without being a formal consortium partner, also contributed to Programme ac-

tivities by providing multilateral funding from February 2010 onwards.

(e) Strengthening capacity-building for DHSA membersWith a view to strengthening the capacities of the team, some DHSA members

benefited from continuing education:

• two DHSA officers attended the training course on emergency response units

(ERUs) in Canada and French Guyana;

• the coordinator of the PSP Unit attended the regional meeting of psychosocial

referents for the Americas and the Caribbean held in Colombia in October

2011;

• the coordinator of the Community Health Unit attended a training course

on planning, monitoring and evaluation tools for CBHFA in Panama City in

August 2011;

• representatives of the HRC’s Health Department travelled to the Bahamas in

November 2011 to attend a regional meeting of the Americas and Caribbean

on HIV/AIDS;

• the HRC also took part in an annual meeting on the CBHFA approach in

Geneva in November 2011;

• the HRC Emergency Health Coordinator benefited from public health training

in complex emergency situations (HELP) in Mexico in November 2011.

24

Haitian Red Cross


3. Blood Management Unit

For many years now, the Haitian Red Cross has played an active role in blood

management. In 1986, following an in-depth international study, it became clear

that the very high prevalence of HIV/AIDS linked to blood transfusions posed

an enormous problem that absolutely had to be resolved. A presidential decree

was adopted to ensure that the Haitian Red Cross, as the national institution

for blood transfusion, would work to improve blood safety. Since then, the HRC

has used all possible means to guarantee the quality of the blood collected and

transfused.

The HRC’s Blood Management Unit, within the framework of its activities to im-

prove blood safety throughout the country, strives to strengthen the capacities

of the regional branches to respond to blood-related needs and to improve the

services provided to the community.

Demand for blood products rose in 2011 due to an increase in the number of

victims of road traffic accidents and violence. The activities carried out by the

Blood Management Unit were supplemented by the support activities of blood

donor members of the National Society’s Club 25 in 2011. Blood collection activi-

ties in fixed booths continued in the 15 Blood Transfusion Stations (BTS) in the

country. Blood collection activities conducted by the Club 25 were particularly

successful in the last quarter of 2011.

Thanks to the support of the German Red Cross and the Korean Red Cross, the

premises which were to host the National Blood Transfusion Centre were re-

furbished, making it possible to resume blood collection activities in December

2011.

In 2011, the Blood Transfusion Unit conducted 331 awareness-building sessions

in schools and churches, reaching 27,249 young people and congregants. In all,

1,040 regular donors who were contacted gave blood in fixed booths.

The Blood Management Unit, in cooperation with the directors of the Blood

Transfusion Centres and Blood Transfusion Stations, organized 456 mobile

blood collection drives, with 8,330 cases of blood donated (that is, 42.2% of all

blood collected). In all, 11,421 donors gave blood in fixed booths in 15 Blood

Transfusion Centre or Stations. Some 70.4% of these donors were volunteer do-

nors, and 29.6% were family donors.

All of the blood bags collected were tested in compliance with international

universal screening norms for blood donation. In 2011, 19,751 persons who do-

nated blood on a voluntary basis were tested for HIV, infections transmitted

by transfusion (ITTs) and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Out of the

total of 19,751 blood donors for 2011, 1,704 tested positive for an infection trans-

mitted via the blood. Those who tested positive were referred to medical cen-

tres, while collected blood units that tested positive were all withdrawn from

Girl giving blood at an HRC blood donation centre. HRC.

Members of Club 25 at the 10th National Youth Forum at Cap-

Haïtien. HRC.

25

Haitian Red Cross


blood stockpiles to prevent contamination. In all, the National Society delivered

20,678 labile blood products in 2011.

The HRC organized six training courses on quality management and lab tech-

niques for the staff of the Blood Transfusion Centres and Blood Transfusion

Stations. Two other training courses, on the clinical use of blood, were organ-

ized in cooperation with the National Blood Transfusion Programme in Port-au-

Prince and in Jérémie in 2011.

Club 25 of the Haitian Red Cross conducted 449 awareness-building sessions

on the importance of regular voluntary blood donation and on HIV/AIDS pre-

vention in schools, broken down as follows: 110 awareness-building sessions

in Port-au-Prince, with 6,372 youth sensitized, and 339 awareness-building ses-

sions in the provinces, with 22,164 young people sensitized (see attached graph on

the number of persons sensitized), of whom 2,821 signed up for Club 25.

In addition, 12 radio broadcasts geared to increasing awareness were aired 22

times in 2011 and heard throughout the country.

Througout the country, 200 retention-boosting meetings were held which were

attended by 5,652 young people, representing 114% of the targets for 2011 (see at-

tached graph on boosting retention among young people). Among the newly registered

young people, 1,549 gave blood and 124 of the existing members gave blood once

again. In all, 1,657 blood bags were collected with the help of Club 25 in 2011.

Club 25’s Information, Education and Communication Team conducted 20

training sessions on HIV/AIDS prevention methods, on voluntary blood dona-

tion, and on the Movement. The sessions brought together 1,742 young people

from the provinces and Port-au-Prince, or 49.42% of the annual target. In honour

of the members of Club 25 and the Youth Red Cross, the National Society held

its 10th National Youth Forum in Cap-Haïtien from 18 to 22 December 2011.

The aims of this event were to allow young people from the Haitian Red Cross

to renew their commitment to combat the propagation of STI/HIV/AIDS; to pro-

mote regular voluntary blood donation; and to attract new donors aged 17 to 25.

26

Haitian Red Cross


4. National ambulance service

The Ambulance Unit of the Haitian Red Cross is the backbone of the National

Society’s CBHFA programme. It not only allows for better prehospital care but

ensures that the sick and injured are transported rapidly to appropriate medical

centres.

The Ambulance Unit mainly operates in the metropolitan region, but it also

serves the cities of Jacmel, Jérémie, Cayes, Saint Marc, Cap-Haïtien, Mirebalais,

Port-de-Paix, and Fort-Liberté. All of these cities have at least one ambulance

vehicle. On 11 September 2011, the commune of Anse-à-Pitres also benefited

from an ambulance boat, which continues to ferry the sick from the commune

to the nearest hospital in a quarter of an hour – a trip that takes more than four

hours by land along a rocky road.

The HRC’s Ambulance Unit benefited from the donation of 14 ambulance vehi-

cles equipped by the Mexican Red Cross and another gift of three ambulance

vehicles from the Korean Red Cross. This assistance from the two Participating

National Societies helped the Unit respond promptly to the many calls for aid

in 2011.

The repair of nine communication radios improved the communications system

in the Ouest Métropolitain area. The administrative capacities of the Ambulance

Unit were reinforced by a functional Internet system, thanks to the cooperation

with the company Access Haiti. The Unit also procured more medical equip-

ment, including solutes, intracaths and scalp vein sets, to provide better care for

the seriously injured, above all in Ouest Métropolitain.

The Unit’s human resource capacities were beefed up in terms of both admin-

istration and first aiders. The Unit took part in three disaster response mock

drills; the first was organized with the National Airport Administration on 29

September 2011 at Port-au-Prince international Airport, while the other two

were held in cooperation with the NGO International medical Corps (IMC) on

2 and 9 December 2011 on the premises of the former faculty of Medicine and

Pharmacy, which were destroyed by the earthquake on 12 January 2010. In addi-

tion, the HRC obtained training support from IMC for advanced care in medico-

surgical emergencies at Haiti State University Hospital (HUEH) for 12 HRC first

responders. The Ambulance Unit cooperated with HUEH in training HRC first

responders on how to instal solutes and monitor their use in victims.

A tent was set up to serve as a dormitory and cafeteria for drivers and first

aiders, who from time to time are obliged to work 24-hour shifts. In 2011, prem-

ises were set aside for washing cars, primarily for cleaning and disinfecting

ambulance vehicles in a clean environment. This came in addition to the other

structural reorganization activities underway to improve the HRC Ambulance

Unit.

27

Haitian Red Cross


The HRC continued to provide medical coverage, especially with regard to first

aid and evacuation during Carnaval 2011. The Unit also contributed to HRC

cholera control efforts nationwide, which accounted for more than 50.7 per cent

of its activity in 2011 (see attached statistical breakdown on the Unit’s activities).

HRC volunteers in front of an ambulance. Saltbones, Olav A./Røde Kors.

Ambulance boat of Anse-à-Pitre. HRC.

28

Haitian Red Cross


5. Training Centre [TC]

As part of its public training activities, the National Society, through its Training

Centre, strove throughout 2011 to strengthen the capacities of the various or-

ganizations active in the humanitarian field.

To reach this goal, the Haitian Red Cross beefed up

its Training Centre so that it could systematically

train HRC officers, members and volunteers as well

as partners both inside and outside the Movement.

Training courses on first aid, micro-projects, early

warning systems, vulnerability and capacity anal-

ysis (VCA) and ambulance techniques were organ-

ized. The Training Centre also trained trainers and

offered training on temporary shelter management.

Various categories of persons benefited from the

activities of the Training Centre in 2011. For ex-

ample, community agents, officers from various

organizations operating throughout the country in

the humanitarian field, HRC staff, agents from the

State system, volunteers from the Movement and

employees of various companies or institutions were trained by the Training

Centre. In all, 1,713 persons were trained by the HRC in 2011 (see the attached

tables for a breakdown of the number of persons trained), enabling the HRC’s Training

Centre to reach its goals for 2011.

TC trainers and engineers worked to develop and adapt certain training tools

to the Haitian context in order to enhance their effectiveness. Three mod-

ules covering risk reduction, community awareness and children (Aprann

pandan nap jew: Inondasyon, Lekol an sekirite, Premye swen kominotè) were adapted,

as well as Tè Malè (a community awareness-building tool on risks and dis-

asters). Technical modules were also adapted and/or developed to improve

the capacity for analysis and action of community and humanitarian agents

(Mikwopwojè sosyal, jesyon abri pwovizwa, Edikasyon oganizasyon epi preparasyon

pou rediksyon ris), not to mention the indispensable Vulnerability and Capacity

Analysis (VCA), a standard IFRC tool. These instruments were presented to

the Civil Defense Department and are on on the verge of being certified by it.

This validation of training tools by the Department is aimed at ensuring that

they are appropriate and convey a fair, adequate and appropriate message

with regard to the types of activities to which they refer. It also makes them

suitable for use throughout the country.

A new building hosting training activities saw the light of day in the last quarter

of 2011 thanks to the financial support of the ECHO General Directorate, as a

result of which training will now take place in much better conditions.

Community awareness-building session on disaster risk with the Tè Malè. HRC

29

Haitian Red Cross


6. Structural and organizational capacity-building

(a) Branch management activitiesThe HRC branches play a leading role in the functioning of the National Society.

Their close proximity to the population enables them to react rapidly in case of

need, while their knowledge of the regional context enables them to tailor their

response to specific needs. Accordingly, the branches conduct regular outreach

activities targeting the public.

In 2011, regional branches developed several activities enabling them to reach

their two initial goals:

Ô ensuring the distribution of basic necessities in 100 camps in the metro-

politan area for victims of the 12 January 2010 earthquake;

Ô reinforcing the relief capacity of the regional offices.

Accordingly, 36,312 families benefited from the distribution of hygiene kits,

cooking kits, tarpaulins, buckets, jerrycans, wool blankets and sleeping mats.

In distributing this material, the Branch Management Unit was assisted by 150

volunteers divided up into five groups and overseen by 12 supervisors and team

leaders. Restructuring scheme for the HRC base camp.

30

Haitian Red Cross


With the support of the Inter-American Development Bank, 465 families which

were attended to in the département of Centre following the 12 January earth-

quake were cared for by the Haitian Red Cross. On several occasions, these

families received hygiene kits and food kits enabling them to improve their

livelihood. Efforts to help these families included the construction of 10 homes

of approximately 50 m² meters each.

Capacity-building efforts targeting the regional offices were reflected by sev-

eral meetings and working visits in the field, but were also given priority by

Movement members, as mentioned in the following section.

(b) Structural and organizational supportWith the support of the Movement partners, the Haitian Red Cross worked

throughout 2011 to “become a modern, flexible organization meeting the basic require-

ments for the implementation of its programmes”, as it undertook to do in its 2010-

2015 strategy.

To achieve these goals, the HRC worked on several organizational aspects.

In keeping with Strategic Goal 3 of the 2010-2015 strategy of the International

Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies and in cooperation with

the partners of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, the

Haitian Red Cross set up a Strategy Coordinating Committee to prepare an an-

nual operational plan designed to ensure better implementation of its strategic

plan. Activities consisted of organizing a meeting with Movement partners

from 14 to 16 February 2001 (with the technical and financial support of the

Federation Secretariat) and holding a brainstorming session from 22 to 25 April

2011 with the Chairs of the Regional Committees. The purpose of the workshop

was to enable each HRC representative at regional

level to provide his vision of strengthening HRC ca-

pacities within the framework of the strategy 2010-

2015, and to work out a consolidated, integrated

plan at national level expressing the needs identi-

fied with a view to reinforcing the National Society

from an institutional perspective. This input was

then passed on to the HRC’s partners so that they

might contribute to the institutional strengthening

of the National Society. At the end of the workshop,

the Chairs of the Regional Committees validated

the matrices on the needs expressed by the HRC’s

13 Regional Committees.

Following this event, on 22 October 2011 the Haitian

Red Cross held a workshop to harmonize anal-

yses and forecasts with the Chairs of the Regional

Committees and all Movement partners. The event

allowed the National Society to share documents

giving the status of the premises and needs identi-

fied with the representatives of Movement partners.

Board of Administration meetings

Governing Board meetings

14 January

12 February

7 May

11 June

11 July

21 August 21 August

11 September

23 November

17 December

31

Haitian Red Cross


It also gave an opportunity to define and clarify partners’ positions with regard

to their support for the institutional strengthening of the Regional Committees,

providing a means of harmonizing HRC institutional capacities and mapping out

the broad lines of the National Plan of Action for the Institutional Strengthening

and Development of the Haitian Red Cross, in correlation with the 2010-2015

strategy.

Moreover, in conformity with the 2009 revision of the HRC’s Statutes, the Board

of Administration met about once a month throughout the year, in order to take

the operational decisions for ensuring the proper functioning of the institutions

and activities of the National Society.

Strategic decisions and operational guidelines were laid before a meeting of

the Governing Board. The Governing Board meets on a half-yearly basis, and

the mid-term meeting for 2011 was held on 21 August 2011, bringing together

the Board of Administration and the Governing Board for a joint working ses-

sion.

An audit was also conducted in 2011. The Haitian Red Cross has its donor-funded

programs audited on a regular basis. In addition to these regular programme

audits, the HRC conducted an overall audit, the results of which are to be con-

veyed to it in coming weeks. Close attention will be paid to the comments and

advice provided in the audit with a view to improving the HRC’s functioning.

In addition, the HRC benefited from specific innovative support from IFRC

to strengthen its institutional and operational capacities from within. The

Federation Secretariat developed the mechanism of “embedded delegates”.

Under this system, five delegates from the IFRC Secretariat have been working

since the second half of 2001 within the HRC itself in key positions to pass their

operational and strategic techniques, skills and competences on to their coun-

terparts at the HR. The post of “Technical Advisor to the HRC President” was

set up to provide support for HRC organizational strengthening. In addition, the

position of “Director of Human Resources” was introduced to strengthen mech-

anisms for staff management; ensure the proper application of Haitian labour

legislation; and develop a volunteering policy. Two posts were created within

the Disaster Management Department to reinforce its institutional, organiza-

tional and operational capacities with a view to better reponding to the needs

of the Haitian people. Finally, the post of “Technical Advisor” was established to

assist the Training Centre in setting up and adapting training programmes and

expanding its activities.

With regard to infrastructure, much progress was made in 2011. At the end of

2011, the IFRC launched a brainstorming process on the transformation of the

base camp, which currently hosts the offices of the HRC, the IFRC Secretariat

and a few other Participating National Societies, as well as the IFRC delegates.

Plans for developing the base camp were worked up by consultants and sub-

mitted to the directors of the two institutions in the last quarter of 2011 (see

p. x for the scheme on the restructuring of the HRC base camp). The restructuring

is intended to group together all HRC services at a single site and take advan-

tage of the great amount of unused space to develop new infrastructures and

32

Haitian Red Cross


activities, such as the establishment of a workshop for manufacturing artifi-

cial limbs, designed to better need the needs of the Haitian people.

Furthermore, studies are underway to acquire a property in Jacmel for re-

building the premises of the regional HRC headquarters in the Sud-Est, which

were severely damaged by the earthquake. This upcoming acquisition follows

an initiative by the Canadian Red Cross, which is working alongside the HRC in

this part of the country.

The Spanish Red Cross also participated in the acquisition of new work infra-

structures by enabling the HRC to acquire local offices in the communes of

Fonds-Vêrrettes, Grand-Gosier and Belle-Anse. In addition, it facilitated the re-

furbishment of these offices as well as that of the commune of Anse-à-Pitre by

providing equipment and material.

33

Haitian Red Cross


7. Dissemination and Communication unit•Communication and dissemination activities From January to December 2011, the Dissemination and Communication

Unit conducted 25 dissemination sessions, including seven sessions geared

to National Society volunteers and employees. The Participating National

Societies relied on the Unit to train their staff and certain volunteers assigned

to communities concerned by post-earthquake operations. The following ob-

jectives were worked out:

•organize dissemination sessions for HRC officers and volunteers, staff of

Participating National Societies, and the public;

•assist with various HRC projects and programmes in the field of disse-

mination and others;

• run dissemination training sessions for volunteer disseminators (HRC –

ICRC) geared to the local committees.

From 1 to 30 April 2011 and every Thursday, the Dissemination and

Communication Unit organized dissemination briefings for volunteers working

in the field in order to support activities coordinated by the Participating

National Societies (of Spain, Germany, Canada, Switzerland and the United

Kingdom). At the sessions, 227 volunteers based in Léogane attended courses

on the Fundamental Principles and humanitarian values of the Movement,

the components of the Movement, its emblem, the HCR Code of Conduct for

Volunteers, and PNS activities in vulnerable communities.

In May and June, the Unit organized six briefing days for 107 volunteers from the

region of Nippes carrying out risk and disaster management activities for the

delegation of the German Red Cross in Haiti. The dissemination sessions pro-

vided a means of strengthening on a regular basis the skills and knowledge of

notables and members registered in the various local committees of the region.

The Unit also helped train coordinators for the Watsan project of the delega-

tion of the Spanish Red Cross in the country, at a session held at Club Indigo.

The Dissemination and Communication Unit further trained focal points

for the 13 HRC regions in respect of the disaster preparedness project “Douri

di Vwazen ‘w”, which was organized by the HRC’s Disaster Management

Department. A total of 30 volunteers participated in this dissemination

briefing conducted at the HRC base camp in Port-au-Prince on 12 July 2011.

All of the Sundays in August and the first two Sundays in the month of

September 2011, the Dissemination and Communication Unit, in close cooper-

ation with the Branch Management Department, organized dissemina-

tion sessions for active members of local committees in the region of Ouest

Métropolitian and for invited notables. Sessions were conducted in Delmas,

Crois Des Bouquets, Petit Goâve, Ganthier, Fond-Vêrrettes and Pétion-Ville.

Special emphasis was placed on the HRC’s Statutes. The briefings were at-

tended by 200 persons.

Radio Radyo Kwawouj broadcast on Radio Caraïbe. HRC.

An IFRC staff member explains how to use and recharge the solar batteries of the radio distributed by the Haitian Red Cross. Cristina Estrada/IFRC.

34

Haitian Red Cross


In October, the Unit organized three one-day dissemination training courses

for 10 volunteers from Bel-Air, Cité Soleil and Martissant at the Plaza Hotel

with the support of the ICRC. The Unit further took part in a training session

for officers from the Federation’s Health Department on the CBHFA project,

attended by 25 persons.

From 7 to 8 November 2011, two information sessions were held for 60 National

Society volunteers at the request of the Regional Department for Ouest. The

following modules were developed: the Fundamental Principles and Values of

the Movement, and the importance of the Movement’s emblems.

•Public communication In 2011, the HRC Dissemination and Communication Unit prepared nine radio

broadcasts on the promotion of regular voluntary blood donation and means

of HIV/AIDS prevention. The broadcasts played on Radio Quisqueya, Mélodie

FM, TNH, Radio-Télé Ginen, Internews, with the technicians of the humani-

tarian programme “Enfomasyon Nou Dwe Konnen”, which aired the broadcasts

on 31 media in the capital and various regions throughout the country in

2011.

These broadcasts may be considered as the traditional activities of the HRC

Dissemination and Communication Unit. From this perspective, 79 broad-

casts were prepared in conjunction with the programme “Radyo Kwawouj” in

cooperation with Radio Caraïbes FM 27 and Radio ONE 52. More than 20 mil-

lion text messages containing key practical information on subjects ranging

from malaria to prevention of violence and disasters and first aid tips were

sent to the public in 2011.

It is important to note that none of the work and activities carried out by the Haitian Red Cross in 2011 would have been possible without the par-ticipation and involvement of the wonderful volunteers, who delivered an outstanding effort to make the HRC the active organization involved in the country’s recovery that it is today.

Graduation ceremony for the Volunteers of the Year,

Volunteering Day, 3 December 2011. HRC.

35

Haitian Red Cross

03. Priorities for 2012

The Haitian Red Cross, in its desire to continue to do its utmost to respond to

the emergency and long-term needs of the Haitian people, wishes to maintain

or even step up its activities and has therefore identified priorities for each of

the services.

As far as the Disaster Management Department is concerned, 2012 will be the

year for revising key documents such as the regional contingency schemes

as well as the HRC Emergency Operations Guide, which dates back to 2009.

Moreover, the Department intends to put in place projects to preserve liveli-

hoods; to pursue the operational reinforcement of the Regional Committees

as part of the PMER process; and to continue its activities aimed at strength-

ening communities’ capacity to react in case of disaster. Likewise, with the sup-

port of the ICRC, the Haitian Red Cross, under the leadership of the Disaster

Management Department, will launch a process of developing the programme

for restoring family links (RFLs).

The Health Department will continue to give priority to training volunteers

in epidemic control methods and CBHFA as well as HIV/AIDS control. It also

intends to work on preparing a strategic plan for the Psychosocial Support

Programme and to contribute to the volunteering development plan for the HRC

according to the three pillars: promotion, protection and recognition. The meth-

odology for intervening with adolescents and children is to be strengthened

through the use of two new activity guides. The DHSA further plans to pay spe-

cial attention to strengthening the national network for community response

and surveillance of epidemics, particularly cholera.

On a more organizational plane, the management will work together with the

technical teams of the IFRC Secretariat to develop capacity for report drafting

and programme follow-up, as well as strengthening coordination within the

Department. The DHSA further plans to recruit a Protection Officer specialized

in gender-based violence to develop specific programmes for victims of violence

as well as cross-cutting programmes tying into other HRC activities, with a

view to ensuring that protection aspects are mainstreamed into the daily activ-

ities of all HRC departments. Yet all of these activities will depend on a regular

source of funding, so management will be giving special attention to resource

mobilization with a view to ensuring sustainability.

03.

Priorities for 2012

36

Haitian Red Cross


Now that the National Blood Transfusion Centres been fully operational since

March 2012, Club 25 plans to increase the number of regular voluntary blood

donors. Introduction of new chapters of Club 25 will surely contribute to this

result. Moreover, the computerization of the National Blood Transfusion Centre

will guarantee greater safety for blood products and more effective blood trans-

fusions.

The Ambulance Unit will continue to strengthen its capacities and plans to

develop a quality service strategy. Programmes for training staff and first re-

sponders in cooperation with partners will be given priority. The Unit’s struc-

tures will be revamped, and management will try to find solutions with regard

to ambulance vehicle upkeep. The International Federation has started to im-

plement a plan of support for the HRC in the field of ambulance upkeep, notably

by launching the process for the recruitment of a delegate specialized in ambu-

lance services for a short period. The HCR will continue to work together with

its partners, including the PNS and State health bodies, in its activities planned

for 2012.

The Training Centre intends to implement activities in line with its operational

plan for 2012. Projects include drawing up a marketing plan and preparing a

catalogue of services and training courses which the Centre could provide. The

Centre’s capacity will also be increased through the recruitment and training of

a network of trainers in the regions and through an expansion of its premises

based in Port-au-Prince with a view to allowing several training courses to be

held at the same time in better conditions. Training aids and documents which

have not yet been translated will be adapted and printed in Créole and French

so that trainers can reach more participants.

Conclusion

Even though the challenges are daunting, the activities carried out in 2011 make

it possible to assess progress with regard to the three pillars of the National

Society’s strategic plan. This proves that the Haitian Red Cross is capable of

executing its strategic plan for 2010-2015 with present technical and financial

support. Gains made in the various departments must, however, be maintained

and consolidated in order to ensure that the needs of the Haitian people are

better met.

37

Haitian Red Cross

04. Annexes

04.

Annexes

I. Disaster preparedness and risk reduction

a) Recapitulative table of training dispensed in 2011

In all, 531 persons were trained in disaster preparedness and risk reduction.

No. Period Training module No. of persons trained

1 24-26 January Social micro-project 11

2 27-30 January Community education, organization and first aid 11

3 17-18 March Risk and disaster preparedness for disaster management focal points and officers in the regions

30

4 11-14 April Vulnerability and capacity analysis in the camps 36

5 16 May “Tè Malè” educational game on risks and natural disasters

50

6 25 May-3 June Vulnerability and capacity analysis in Jérémie 17

7 4 June Humanitarian concepts, evaluation and use of the Global Positioning System (GPS)

32

8 20-22 June Risk and disaster management for UNOPS 10

9 9-10 July Risk and disaster management at Ouaniminthe for “Solidarié Fwontalyè”

24

10 1-12 August Vulnerability and capacity analysis 12

11 5-9 September Administration and control of emergency operations 24

12 11-16 September National intervention team 30

13 18-24 September Training of trainers for the project “Kouri Di Vwazen ‘W” (KDV)

26

14 Throughout 2011

Training for community focal points in risk and disaster management and the CBHFA approach

218

TOTAL 531

38

Haitian Red Cross


(b) Response coordination schemas in case of crisis

This schema which is incorporated into the contingency plan factors in all of

the Movement’s capacities in case it has to respond to a disaster during the cy-

clone and/or rainy season. It highlights the coordination mechanism according

to the levels of responsibility predefined by the HRC Emergency Operations

Guide and by the Movement’s Intervention Strategy.

DISASTERCRISIS UNIT

(Executive Director/Head of IFRC Delegation)

CCIU / IFRC

Operational decisions

Operations and implementation

Mediumimpact

Results of technical analysis of evaluation

Activation of EEU Feedback on evaluation

Criticalimpact

Catastrophicimpact

REGIONAL COMMITTEES – HRC

PNS

REGIONAL COMMITTEES – HRC

IFRC

PNS/ICRC

HEADQUARTERS -HRC

IFRC/PNS/ICRC

PADRU/GENEVA

DPCCHR/IFRC

OCHACLUSTERS

DEPLOYMENT OF EMERGENCY EVALUATION TEAMS

39

Haitian Red Cross

04. Annexes

II. Health care

(a) Table: Articles distributed during cholera prevention awareness-building sessions

Article Quantity

Soap bars 128,054

ORS 284,425

Aquatabs 1,679,686

Prevention and treatment posters 28,306

Prevention and treatment brochures 613,000

Megaphones 92

Sprayers 69

Plastic buckets 3,144

Gloves 15,460

Chlorine (drums) 100

Protection masks 6,200

Cleaning kits 46

Bleach (drums) 100

40

Haitian Red Cross


(b) Table: Composition of “Cholera kits” prepositioned in the regions in July and August 2011

Art

icle

Bre

akdow

n b

y bra

nch

Tota

lN

ord

Sud

Ou

est

Nor

d-

Est

Nor

d-

Ou

est

Gra

nd

-A

nse

Sud

-Es

t N

ipp

eB

as

Art

ibon

ite

Hau

te

Art

ibon

ite

Bas

Pl

atea

u

Cen

tral

Hau

t Pl

atea

u

Cen

tral

OR

S (b

ox o

f

800

OR

S)11

1111

1111

1111

116

66

611

2

Glo

ves

(box

of

10

0 gl

oves

99

99

99

99

55

55

92

Soap

(b

ox o

f

70 b

ars)

500

500

500

500

500

500

500

500

250

250

250

250

5,00

0

Aq

uat

abs

(box

of

10,0

00 a

qu

atab

s)10

1010

1010

1010

106

66

610

4

Prev

enti

on p

oste

r (p

ack

of

1,00

0 p

oste

rs)

33

33

33

33

22

22

32

Trea

tmen

t p

oste

r (p

ack

of

1,00

0 p

oste

rs)

33

33

33

33

22

22

32

Prev

enti

on

bro

chu

re (

pac

k of

1,

000

bro

chu

res)

33

33

33

33

22

22

32

Trea

tmen

t b

roch

ure

(p

ack

of

1,00

0 b

roch

ure

s)

33

33

33

33

22

22

32

14L

pla

stic

bu

cket

(p

ack

of 1

,000

)10

010

010

010

010

010

010

010

050

5050

501,

000

10L

jerr

ycan

(b

atch

of

150)

1515

1515

1515

1515

77

77

148

Shro

ud

(b

ox o

f

25 s

hro

ud

s)4

44

44

44

42

22

240

Ch

lori

ne

(HT

H)

(45k

g d

rum

)2

22

22

22

22

22

224

41

Haitian Red Cross

04. Annexes

(c) Graphique : Graph: Breakdown of PSP beneficiaries by activity type

(d) Graph: Breakdown of beneficiaries by age group

Psychosocial and psychoeducational activities (112,340)

Individual support for patients (16,312)

Discussion groups (3,870)

Non-formal education (5,221)

Summer camps (2,971)

Cholera awareness-building (118,582)

Children aged 0 to 5 (37,478)



Adults aged 18 to 59 (63,878)

Elderly – 60 and over (13,717)

42

Haitian Red Cross


III. Blood Management Unit

(a) Graph: Forecasts and achievements with regard to raising awareness of blood donations in 2011

In 2011, 449 sessions to raise awareness of the importance of regular voluntary blood donation and on HIV/

AIDS prevention were conducted in schools (110 in Port-au-Prince and 339 in the provinces), making it pos-

sible to reach 22,070 young people (6,372 in Port-au-Prince and 15,967 in the provinces), or 315.28% of the

goal intially set for 2011. Among these young people, 2,821 signed up to become members of Club 25.

(b) Graph: Forecasts and achievements with regard to young people in 2011

Two hundred retention-boosting meetings were held throughout the country, bringing together 5,652 young

people, including 44 in Port-au-Prince, or an increase of 114.18% in relation to the number of retained young

people initially planned.

0 5,000 10,000

Number of young people reached

15,000 20,000 25,000

Planned awareness-raising

Actual awareness-raising

22,070

7,000

0 5,000 10,000

Number of young people reached

15,000 20,000 25,000

Planned awareness-raising

Actual awareness-raising

22,070

7,000

1,000 2,000 3,000

Retention-boosting meetings

4,000 5,000 6,000

Planned number of donors retained

Number of young people retained

4,950

5,652

1,000 2,000 3,000

Retention-boosting meetings

4,000 5,000 6,000

Planned number of donors retained

Number of young people retained

4,950

5,652

43

Haitian Red Cross

04. Annexes

(c) Graph: Breakdown by month of the number of young people retained in 2011

IV. National Ambulance Unit Table grouping together statistics for the Ambulance Unit for 2011See following page.

0 200 400

Number of young people retained by month

January

February

March

April

May

June

July

August

September

October

November

December

600 800 1,000

591

683

831

364

439

394

188

171

333

615

329

714

44

Haitian Red Cross


Month

Calls

re

ceiv

ed

Am

bula

nce

call-

outs

Cancelle

d

ass

ign-

ments

Type o

f care

pro

vided

Type o

f path

olo

gy

Vic

tim

s tr

eate

dV

icti

ms

tran

spor

ted

Ch

oler

aTr

aum

aN

on-

trau

ma

Mat

ern

ity

Jan

uar

y/11

1,85

51,

480

652

1,20

31,

118

914

151

101

37

Feb

ruar

y/11

1,44

01,

090

378

1,06

293

068

819

712

255

Mar

ch/1

11,

424

1,10

942

599

991

664

517

110

875

Ap

ril/

111,

005

763

260

745

641

404

134

127

80

May

/11

1,06

584

821

784

879

349

916

399

87

Jun

e/11

1,90

999

690

31,

006

842

659

158

106

83

July

/11

702

561

182

520

450

122

187

116

95

Au

gust

/11

902

565

250

652

568

174

209

108

161

Sep

tem

ber

/11

1,03

060

433

869

261

129

621

690

150

Oct

ober

/11

1,16

169

433

083

172

830

120

913

918

2

Nov

emb

er/1

196

460

425

670

862

121

119

012

817

7

Dec

emb

er/1

175

353

819

256

144

810

122

611

611

8

TO

TAL

14,2

109,

852

4,38

39,

827

8,66

65,

014

2,21

11,

360

1,30

0

45

Haitian Red Cross

04. Annexes

V. Training Centre (TC) (a) Table: Statistics on the number of persons trained by month at the TC in 2011

Month Number of persons trained by month

Monthly percentage

January 22 1.3

February 27 1.6

March 62 3.6

April 130 7.6

May 261 15.2

June 157 9.2

July 286 16.7

August 83 4.8

September 218 12.7

October 156 9.1

November 173 10.1

December 138 8.1

TOTAL 1,713 100

46

Haitian Red Cross


(b) Breakdown of persons trained by module in 2011

SUMMARY

ModulesNo. of persons

trainedShare of modules out of TC volume of activities

Beneficiaries

First aid instructors 29 2% Internal capacity-building (HRC volunteers)

Complete first-aid course (32 hrs)

156 9% Internal capacity-building (HRC volunteers)

First-aid course – 16-hr module

453 26% Capacity-building for partners

Community first-aid course 199 12% HRC volunteers and other partners

First aid / CBHFA (Module 4) 20 1% Internal capacity-building

Community organization, educaton and preparedness for risk and disaster reduction

59 3% HRC volunteers, DPC and other partners

Social micro-projects 105 6% Internal capacity-building

Training in training of trainers (module on risk reduction and disasters – Federal model)

193 11% Internal capacity-building

Refresher training for ambulance first responders


Training in training of trainers (module on risk reduction and disasters – Federal model)


Refresher training for ambulance first responders


Training of KDV trainers (teaching methods and techniques, and preparation of training in community education, organization and preparedness for risk reduction)


Training in temporary shelter management


Warning and evacuation system


“Tè Malè’’ facilitators 217 13% HRC volunteers, DPC and other partners

TOTAL 1,713 100%

The Fundamental Principles of the International

Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement

Humanity The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, born of a desire to bring as-sistance without discrimination to the wounded on the battlefield, endeavours, in its international and national capacity, to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it may be found. Its purpose is to protect life and health and to ensure respect for the human being. It promotes mutual understanding, friendship, cooperation and las-ting peace amongst all peoples.

Impartiality It makes no discrimination as to na-tionality, race, religious beliefs, class or political opinions. It endeavours to relieve the suffering of individuals, being guided solely by their needs, and to give priority to the most urgent cases of distress.

Neutrality In order to enjoy the confidence of all, the Movement may not take sides in hostilities or engage at any time in controversies of a political, racial, religious or ideological nature.

Independence The Movement is independent. The National Societies, while auxiliaries in the humanitarian services of their governments and subject to the laws of their respective countries, must always maintain their autonomy so that they may be able at all times to act in accordance with the principles of the Movement.

Voluntary service It is a voluntary relief move-ment not prompted in any manner by desire for gain.

Unity There can be only one Red Cross or Red Crescent Society in any one country. It must be open to all. It must carry on its humanitarian work throughout its territory.

Universality The International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement, in which all societies have equal status and share equal responsibilities and duties in helping each other, is worldwide.

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