Rapid selection and training of CHWs as active participants in relief efforts following the January 2010, Haiti earthquake

Immediately following large-scale natural disasters, the spontaneous formation of internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in conditions bereft of even the most basic necessities of life, poses an enormous public health emergency situation. Moreover, post-disaster relief efforts often lack sufficient personnel to attend to the myriad of public health issues, needs and concerns found in these IDP or refugee camps. Following the Haiti earthquake in January 2010, during an initial public health assessment and response deployment; a small five-person team was able to rapidly assess the health conditions in a large IDP camp of over 20,000 persons using CHWs from amongst the earthquake survivors. This presentation discusses the methods and benefits of using disaster victims from within IDP or refugee camps to quickly and effectively assess the public health status of the population and to establish rapid response mechanisms to address the immediate needs of the community. Survivors of such large-scale disasters have been subject to intense violence and high levels of associated morbidity and mortality, which leave many struggling with various symptoms and affects resulting from psychological trauma. This presentation will discuss the benefits of utilizing CHWs from within the affected population and how the participation and interventions facilitated by these individuals may play an important part in their own emotional health and recovery.