Bringing Life to a City Marred by Death

On January 20, 2010, two babies were born at the field hospital operated jointly by the Canadian and Norwegian Red Cross societies in Port-au-Prince.

Aline Gagnon, a Canadian Red Cross delegate, was one of the medical staff on duty that day in the surgical unit.

"It was a moving experience for me to help these mothers give birth in a city in which so many people have died since the earthquake. The two newborns, a boy and a girl, are healthy and they were welcomed into the world by their families."

We have witnessed some extraordinary events at this hospital, set up quickly next to buildings in ruins", she added. "The people treated at the hospital are very supportive of one another in both the healing and grieving processes as they struggle to rebuild their lives. I am utterly amazed by their courage."

Funded in part by the Government of Canada, the hospital provides essential surgical and medical care to more than 300 individuals a day. It includes customized modules such as surgery, first aid and triage, a 70-bed ward, a community health unit and a psycho-social support unit.

Stories of hope like this one continue to emerge from the emergency response and humanitarian aid operations currently underway. Despite the overwhelming devastation, Haiti is once again showing signs of life.