There seems to be a common routine when disasters occur:
- The world mourns the occurrence.
- The media descends upon the area, only to leave a few days or weeks later.
- Aid is promised by the United Nations, NGOs (Non-Governmental Organizations), and individual countries.
- The event falls further and further off the radar screen of the media, organizations that have promised aid, and people living outside the country.
- While some aid will be offered and often times the residents of the stricken nation make exceptional efforts to rebuild their country, there is lasting physical, social, and psychological damage to the country.
With regard to the earthquake that hit Haiti on January 14, 2010, it was "front page" in the U.S. longer than most other disasters because (a) Haiti is relatively close to the U.S., (b) the number of casualties were enormous [about a quarter of a million people killed], and (c) the media along with certain celebrities such as Sean Penn stayed on the case.
But a year after the earthquake, conditions in Haiti have barely improved. Cholera is now spreading and the population is getting restless.
For these reasons, the February 2011 ActiveCitizen360 February conference will be on Rebuilding Haiti.
Important links:
A year of action: Doctors Without Borders answers your questions about our work in Haiti