NEW YORK - January 13 - The worst earthquake in 200 years struck Haiti yesterday, causing catastrophic destruction in the hemisphere's poorest country. The quake struck near the capital of Port-au-Prince, the most densely populated part of Haiti, and thousands are feared dead.

MADRE has activated an emergency response through our partner organization, Zanmi Lasante Clinic. The doctors, nurses and community health workers there are working to bring medical assistance and supplies to areas that have been hardest hit.

The most urgent needs right now are bandages, broad-spectrum antibiotics and other medical supplies, as well as water tablets to prevent cholera outbreaks.  The need for food, shelter and other types of relief is growing by the hour.  

MADRE has worked in Haiti for many years, supporting community-based organizations in times of disaster.  MADRE's partners are expert at reaching those in crisis and stretching resources to meet the urgent needs facing Haitian women and families right now. 

Available for comment:

Marie St. Cyr, MADRE Board Member and longtime New York-based Haitian human rights advocate

Yifat Susskind, MADRE Policy and Communications Director