CNP is on the Frontlines of Preventing the Spread of COVID-19 in the Communities Where We Work
Dear Friends,
As we all struggle to grapple with the unprecedented situation we are facing, we are particularly concerned of the threat COVID-19 poses to our friends in Haiti. Haiti lives in constant state of depression, even during our robust times. Haiti recently announced that five cases of the virus have been confirmed. Our Country Director, Dr. Anany Prosper, has warned that Haiti’s fragile health system cannot handle an outbreak. He has put the full weight of the Children’s Nutrition Program’s efforts into IPC (infection prevention and control) and hygiene interventions.
We are incredibly thankful that Dr. Anany‘s MPH expertise in the areas of Disease Control & Health Policy and Epidemiology of Disasters have given him the skills needed to lead CNP at this juncture. CNP has been asked to partner with the MSSP (Haiti’s health ministry) to help coordinate the virus response in the two health districts where we work. His particular focus is on the CNP staff and vulnerable children under his direct supervision.
He has outlined the following priorities for CNP’s response:
Equip Staff - Health care providers and frontline community health workers (Monitrices) will face the most risk. CNP is working to ensure WHO and MSSP (Haiti’s health ministry) protocols and standards are in place to protect the team.
Protect the USN - From a disease control perspective, the USN (nutrition stabilization unit) and Pediatric Wards are an important fortress to keep safe. Children with underlying medical conditions, including those suffering from malnutrition and its associated immune deficiencies, will be left particularly vulnerable. If the virus spreads there, the effects will be devastating.
As a technical partner, CNP is working with hospital officials to roll out a triage section, handwashing station, and a systematic & daily decontamination of the Pediatric Ward/USN.Ensure the Availability of RUSF – As a short-term response to address potential spikes in malnutrition during the crisis, maintaining a supply of Ready-To-Use Supplementary Food (Plumpy’Sup and Plumpy’Nut) is essential to treat moderate and severe acute malnutrition. Now more than ever, it is essential that we have supplementary food to treat malnutrition in the community, avoiding an influx of children at the USN.
Continue Hygiene Education – Misinformation regarding COVID-19 is rampant in Haiti. Our Monitrices are helping to combat this through our ongoing hygiene education and interventions, emphasizing it’s importance in helping to prevent the spread of the virus.
· Distribution of Hygiene Kits - Vulnerable communities have a crucial need for hygiene kits that will allow them to apply systematic handwashing and other Public Health recommendations. CNP is planning to begin distributing hygiene kits to 50 families next week.
Together, we have served the children of Haiti for over 20 years. Even as we face so many unknowns here at home, we know that the risks facing Haitians are staggering. Will you help us to support our staff and Haitian communities in their efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in Haiti?
As we move forward, Dr. Anany has outlined the following “Needs of the Hour” for CNP’s crisis response:
· Empathy, love, and prayers from our partners in the US
· Funding to run emergency operations – We’re not changing the support that we provide, but we are preparing for an increased demand on these services.
· Funding for potential increases in the number of children requiring access to Plumpy’Sup and Plumpy’Nut
Through the support of CNP, thousands of Haitian children have been saved. As we face this crisis together, please know that we are incredibly thankful for any support that you are able to provide during this difficult time. We are praying for the Lord’s peace and protection for your families in this season.
In Christ,
Mitch Mutter Patricia Cyr Watlington
Founder Executive Director
