Last Updated: 07/27/2021
Reports from Haiti continue to show that COVID is on the rise in the country. Officially, Haiti is reporting an average of 49 cases per day. This number could be much higher, however, because of low testing rates and widespread dismissal of the virus in Haiti. Haiti vaccinated the first 38 people in the country on July 17, kicking off its vaccination program using the 500,000 doses it received from the United States. The violence in Haiti continues to escalate, especially with the recent assassination of the president, with some hospitals considering shutting down because the danger is too great. Kidnappings are rampant, with gangs becoming increasingly bold as the local police lack resources to respond. Masks are required by the government, but large, unmasked events continue to be held.
Currently, Compassion child development centers throughout the country have resumed normal on-site activities, but some centers may be affected by the unrest in the country. They are following strict protocols to keep children and youths safe from the coronavirus. Many centers are working closely with students who are preparing for final evaluations and offering tutoring to those struggling from a difficult, disrupted school year. Partner church workers have been able to deliver nearly 163,000 food packs and 92,000 hygiene kits and have provided medical assistance to nearly 12,800 people.