9 Years Later: Remembering Victims of 2010 Earthquake

Friendship, of itself a holy tie, is made more sacred by adversity.
— Charles Caleb Colton

Dear friends,

Greetings from Haiti. This week marks the 9th anniversary of the calamitous earthquake of 2010 in Southern Haiti, which is still seared into the hearts and minds of all that were touched by it. Nine years later, we reflect on both the immense and tragic loss of life, as well as the outpouring of assistance and support for the survivors; first by Haitians themselves who were the true “first responders” and helping hands for each other, and then by the wider global community.

At Konbit Sante, we certainly remember and continue to be grateful for how our community, or konbit, gave generously of time and treasure so that our partners here could more fully respond to the needs of their fellow citizens. We wish that all affected were spared this difficult and tragic event, but accompanying our partners through this time forged a much deeper connection and friendship than may have been possible otherwise. It was seminal in that way.

The deepening of the relationships that was born of that time has carried forward in the years since, and has made possible much of the progress in strengthening and improving health care for people here that we share with you in these reports. To the degree that the health system is stronger, the more capable it will be to not only address everyday needs, but to better respond to future challenges.

Personally, it has been a privilege to be one small part of this journey, and I thank you all for believing that good things can continue to come out of tragedy when we build bridges of mutual support… or “konbit”.

Sincerely,

Nate Nickerson
Executive Director
Konbit Sante Cap-Haitien Health Partnership

Photo courtesy Gregory Rec/Portland Press Herald