by Michelle B. Smith

Created on: January 23, 2010

After years of neglect of the Haitian people, it could have been expected that the relief effort would be grim. However, the out pour of support from the international community has brought many people together inside and outside of Haiti. From New York to Turkey, the response has been overwhelming.

Search and Rescue Teams

As hundreds of thousands of people are buried beneath the rubble, trained professionals are at the front lines of finding survivors. Over 47 search and rescue teams from across the world have left their countries and their own minor conflicts to help Haiti. From each of these rescue teams has come a miraculous story of survival and hope.

A 2 year old girl named Mia was rescued by a British team after 3 days of being trapped in her nursery. Mia’s mother, Marjorie, was grateful as she stated “Every time I see a British person, I will say thank you for saving my daughter” (Daily Record). 

Seven days after the earthquake, Mexican and South African rescue teams pulled an elderly woman from a cathedral suffering from a fractured hip and broken leg.

Through all of the mayhem, it is understandable why people trapped beneath the rubble were happy to see rescue workers. It is even more touching that rescue workers from all walks of life were just as overjoyed to see survivors.

Medical Aid

Doctors and nurses from around the world have been committed to helping the Haitian people. What is even more moving is that doctors who were in the country prior to the earthquake decided to stay and help rather than returning to their families.

These doctors have stayed throughout to work in limited facilities included the streets to help anyone they can. As reported on 60 Minutes, some doctors are even assisting in disposing of bodies to help deter the spread of infection and disease.

Members of rescue teams and members of the military are also doing their part to help with medical aid. Members who are trained in basic skills such as setting broken bones and disinfecting wounds are helping the many people with cuts and crushed limbs.

Pharmaceutical companies are also reaching out. Pfizer has donated $1 million in medical supplies and $250,000 to UNICEF and CARE; organizations providing aid to Haiti. As medical aid is one of the most important issues now for Haiti, supplies to actually aid the doctors are a great help.

Countries Reach Out

Nearly $1 billion in aid has been raised to support the efforts in Haiti by governments. $575 million

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