The Order of Malta is still present on the island to provide healthcare and disaster preparedness training

On 12 January 2010 at 9.53 in the morning the island of Haiti was struck by a catastrophic earthquake. In one single minute the magnitude-7 quake destroyed houses, schools and roads leaving behind a trail of devastation and destitution. According to the United Nations, some three million persons were affected by the disaster that caused over 220,000 deaths. Five years later the country is still struggling with sanitation and public health problems.

The Sovereign Order of Malta intervened immediately after the disaster through its International relief agency, Malteser International, sending a team of experts to help search for survivors and to provide medical emergency services.

Malteser International is still present in Haiti with healthcare services and disaster preparedness training courses. It also organizes hygiene awareness and epidemic prevention campaigns and cooperates with the local authorities to improve medical and educational facilities.

Here below are photographs published on the Ansa press agency website that include some pictures of Malteser International: