Foundation Provides $2.2 Million To Support Long-Term Relief Efforts In Haiti

The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is investing nearly $2.2 million to support relief and reconstruction efforts in Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake. The grants will primarily help address long-range needs in the areas of health and communications — from building a clinic and hospital that will serve 500 patients a day to helping radio stations broadcast critical public safety advisories and humanitarian information to thousands of Haitians.

“MacArthur’s support is designed to have a lasting impact in Haiti as the nation works to rebuild lives, infrastructure, and institutions,” said MacArthur President Robert Gallucci.

About the MacArthur Foundation

The MacArthur Foundation supports creative people and effective institutions committed to building a more just, verdant, and peaceful world. In addition to selecting the MacArthur Fellows, we work to defend human rights, advance global conservation andsecurity, make cities better places, and understand how technology is affecting children and society.

Learn moreThe John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation is investing nearly $2.2 million to support relief and reconstruction efforts in Haiti in the aftermath of the earthquake. The grants will primarily help address long-range needs in the areas of health and communications — from building a clinic and hospital that will serve 500 patients a day to helping radio stations broadcast critical public safety advisories and humanitarian information to thousands of Haitians“MacArthur’s support is designed to have a lasting impact in Haiti as the nation works to rebuild lives, infrastructure, and institutions,” said MacArthur President Robert Gallucci.

The grant recipients, each with a strong track record of working in Haiti, are:

Partners in Health ($1 million) — Active in Haiti since 1987, the international healthcare organization will build and staff a full-service clinic and hospital to serve about 500 patients a day in Mirebalais, which is experiencing an influx of displaced persons from Port-au-Prince. The grant will also allow the organization, founded by MacArthur Fellow Dr. Paul Farmer, to offer medical and nursing training to fill a gap left when the University Hospital in Port-au-Prince was destroyed by the earthquake.
United Nations Population Fund ($500,000) — The UN Population Fund, which leads international relief efforts for reproductive healthcare, has been distributing delivery and feminine hygiene kits. The grant will strengthen the health system by refurbishing and upgrading a maternity unit to meet the needs of a population of nearly 250,000 people, including up to 50,000 people living in temporary settlements. Prior to the earthquake, the Croix de Bouquets health center in Port-au-Prince provided basic antenatal and postpartum care. MacArthur funding will allow the clinic to be upgraded to provide comprehensive maternal and infant care services, including safe delivery and emergency obstetric and neonatal care. To better serve the needs of the community, the clinic will also begin to offer general medical services.

International Planned Parenthood Federation/Western Hemisphere (IPPF/WHR) ($500,000) — Through its member affiliate in Haiti, PROFAMIL (Association pour la Promotion de la Familie Haitienne), the Federation will increase access to sexual and reproductive health and selected maternal and child health services among the displaced population using mobile health units, field clinics, and a referral center. The grant will fund medical and surgical supplies, as well as medical staff and logistical support to reestablish and improve the capacity of PROFAMIL and to provide services ranging from short-term emergency needs to longer-term efforts.
Internews ($175,000) — With support from MacArthur, the international media development organization has been broadcasting vital information such as where to find food, water, and shelter on 20 local radio stations since the earthquake. In conjunction with Foundation grantee Ushahidi, Internews has also been delivering information via mobile phones. The new grant will fund training for new media partners so Internews can expand its work beyond Port-au-Prince, as well as begin reporting on reconstruction issues.

In addition to these new grants, MacArthur has had a long commitment to preserving biodiversity in Haiti as part of its broader efforts across the Caribbean to increase the capacity of local organizations to provide for the long-term stewardship of their natural resources.