Government Begins Vaccination Program in Border Cities

On Friday, the Dominican government initiated a vaccination program in cities that share a border with Haiti and in the Haitian capital of Port-au-Prince in an effort to prevent the outbreak of epidemics that often threaten the population following earthquakes of the magnitude that hit this neighboring country.

The information was released at a press conference given by the Minister of Public Health and Social Assistance, Bautista Rojas Gómez, who said his Ministry is prepared with nearly a million vaccinations against illness that often occur after such events as this one.

Mr. Rojas said the border area, especially the Dominican side, will administer some 10,000 vaccinations to high risks groups against rabies, diphtheria, tetanus, typhoid fever, neumoccus and hepatitis A.

Rojas Gómez reported that, starting today, a vectorial-control program is in effect, through which water sources will be evaluated and risks will be mapped out, the application of consumption controls as well as the launching of a community education program on what kind of measures should be taken.

The Minister said they are also applying a wide-reaching environmental health program in Haiti to supervise drinking water, verify food quality, evaluate homes and tent cities and evaluate the conditions of shops and warehouses. They will also offer consultation on the management of infectious residues.

He explained that in Jimaní, government authorities are maintaining control over a collection center for the detection and early diagnosis of suspected cases of tuberculosis. They have also undertaken a mental health center to support and provide assistance for victims and their family members traumatized by the earthquake.

At the press conference, held in the National Palace, the Minister reported that, at the moment, there are 8 mobile medical units, 10 ambulances and a large number of medical and paramedical personnel in Port-au-Prince. He added that, up until now, some 1,445 people have been treated in Dominican territory and that another 2,263 patients have been treated by the mobile medical units in Haiti.

In addition, Public Health personnel have applied some 1,114 tetanus shots, have performed surgery on 128 patients in Haiti and have used some 242 pints of blood.