Be patience

The noises of protests, gunshots, sirens of police patrol cars and ambulances surrounded my little tent during the whole night... After the announcement of the results of the first round presidential election last evening, quite some violent protests broke out in many parts of Port-au-Prince. They said that there were barricades on most of the major roads, which the protestors also set on fire. Because of the security concerns, our colleagues who were arriving last night to join the effort for the cholera intervention could only take refuge in the security compound which MSF has set up close to the airport. I knew already the possibility of moving today to Choscal Hospital, the cholera treatment centre (CTC) where I should be working in the slum area Cité Soleil, would be almost zero... And the security briefing this morning confirmed my anticipation. Most of the major routes are blocked by barricades, and it is just too dangerous to have any movements between the sites. It is evident that I have to stay in the coordination base for at least another day. Due to the turmoil, the airport is closed and many flights are cancelled. None of our colleagues who are supposed to leave or come today could move... but our CTC on the different sites have to continue to operate as there are still hundreds of new cases coming in, and we need to send supplies to the sites. A convoy with only the most essential materials and staff will be sent on the road today. In a context like this, security is the utmost important priority. But I still feel a bit frustrated not to be able to go and support the team in Choscal...patience, patience, patience - I have to remind myself. My family and friends, I know you must be worrying your heart out when you see the images of the situation in Haiti now on the news... but I hope these few words from me will relieve your worries.