On Tuesday January 12th 2009, a massive earthquake struck one of the world's poorest nations; the island of Haiti fell victim to a natural disaster which is estimated to have killed tens of thousands of people. For those who survive, disease, starvation, lack of shelter and lack of clean water are just some of the potential problems being faced. For women, especially those who are pregnant, the logistics of surviving in a place which was difficult to live in before the earthquake, the situation is statistically worse.
Haiti: Lack of health care for women
Haiti is said to be the poorest country in the Western hemisphere and already had one of the world's highest maternity mortality rates prior to the Haiti earthquake disaster. According to a report by the news agency AlJazeera, 50% of Haiti women living in the slums have been raped. Rape was not actually a criminal offense until 2005. Lack of health care for women and violence against women was a major problem in Haiti before the earthquake.
- For the full report see the video below.
Helping the pregnant women of Haiti after the earthquake
The United Nations Population Fund estimates that there are thousands of pregnant women in Haiti, who are most likely wandering the streets and in need of medical assistance, following Tuesday's earthquake. The United Nations Population Fund is attempting to send reproductive health supplies to Haiti, in attempt to aid pregnant women from dying in child birth. In addition, the special needs of women and children are being addressed with basic hygiene supplies. Women are often the most vulnerable members of poor countries' communities, yet they are vital in holding together families.
For information on how to help Haiti's earthquake victims click here.
See how Hollywood is responding to Haiti's earthquake victims - Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt pledge support to Haiti's earthquake victims.
CopyrightSharonFalsetto2010
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