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World Health Organization, Military Team up to Deliver Radios, Medical Supplies in Haiti

Navy NewsStand

Story Number: NNS100206-06
Release Date: 2/6/2010 8:33:00 PM

By 2nd Lt. Victoria Brayton, Joint Forces Special Operations Component Command Public Affairs

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (NNS) -- Hundreds of people in Haitian cities received hand held radios and medical supplies Feb. 4 through assistance provided by U.S. military personnel and members of the World Health Organization (WHO).

The humanitarian effort is part of a surge in aid, which is being facilitated by teams from the United Nations, U.S. government agencies, the U.S. military, and partner nations, who are all working to assist the people of Haiti by delivering vital aid to cities throughout the country.

U.S. Special Operations service members assigned to the Joint Forces Special Operations Component Command (JFSOCC) reached out to WHO members with information about medical needs at hospitals and clinics in three Haitian cities. After working out logistics and delivery plans, the JFSOCC coordinated air transportation support from a CH-53 helicopter from the 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit, based on USS Bataan (LHD 5).

Just a few hours later, the three cities - Cape Haitien, Saint Louis du Nord, and Gros Morne - had all received boxes of relief aid, amounting to 600 radios and approximately 1,200 pounds of medical supplies.

"Providing essential medicines to health professionals during an emergency is critical," said Ian Stein, WHO emergency response team program officer. "Through this collaboration we were able to expand our capacity to ensure that medicines end up where they are needed."

The medical supplies provided by the WHO included multiple "Kit 10,000s," which contain enough medicines, medical devices and equipment to treat 10,000 individuals.

The radios provided by JFSOCC allow more individuals to hear public service announcements regarding humanitarian assistance and messages of hope that the international community is here to help. These solar- and hand-cranked radios are also equipped with a flashlight and a USB-port to charge any device with a USB connection.

"I think this mission today is an example of how partnerships should form in times of emergencies," Stein said. "We are able to develop nimble plans for immediate response and implement them with success. If we can continue this style of work, we know that we will continue to save lives together."