Irish Red Cross announces pioneering collaboration in Haiti with leading mobile phone company Voilà

The vaccination campaign is being run by UNICEF and the World Health Organisation (WHO) and aims to inoculate millions of Haitians against Measles, Diphtheria, Tetanus, Whooping Cough, Measles and Rubella. Up to 40 Red Cross vaccination teams will be assisting with the campaign.

Noel Wardick, Head of the International Department, Irish Red Cross explained, "These vaccinations are vital to ensure that the people of Haiti are protected from the diseases which they are so susceptible to after a disaster such as this, with hundreds of thousands of people crowded together in temporary accommodation."

With over one million subscribers in Haiti, Voilà was the first major operator to re-establish communications following the earthquake. The company has agreed to send a series of text messages over a 10-day period with information on the vaccination campaign and other health related issues. These messages, prepared by the Red Cross and translated into Creole to communicate in as clear and effective a way as possible, will be sent by the network free-of-charge.

Robin Padberg, Voilà's CEO states, "Reliable communications in a time of crisis is key. We are pleased to partner with the Irish Red Cross in providing a critical service that stands to protect a significant number of people from the inevitable spread of disease following this tragedy."

The Irish Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) would like to thank Voilà for affording the Red Cross this opportunity, which is a critically important step in communicating effectively with the victims of the earthquake.

Will Rogers, Irish Red Cross Beneficiary Communications Delegate in Haiti, has been working very closely on the project and states, "This method of communicating is called blast SMS and is designed to reach as many Haitians as possible. The first message outlining the importance of getting vaccinated was sent out to over 1 million people on the 2nd February. The second message, covering the importance of hygiene, will be sent out on the 3rd February and as with the first message is sent over a 10-hour period to ensure that it is received by all mobile phone users on the network."

The Irish Red Cross estimates that wordo-f-mouth will allow each daily message to spread to at least a further 3 or 4 people such as family members and friends, thereby greatly increasing the impact of the message campaign.

Donations to the Irish Red Cross Haiti Appeal have now reached over €1.4 million, however funds are still urgently needed to continue to assist the people of Haiti whose lives have been devastated. To donate log onto www.redcross.ie or call 1850 50 70 70.

Notes to Editor

1. Irish Red Cross delegates Joe Lowry (Irish) and Will Rogers (Australian) are currently in Haiti and available for interview.
2. The Irish Red Cross can provide spokespersons on the Haitian earthquake

Noel Wardick, Head of the International Department, Irish Red Cross (Based in Ireland)
Declan O'Sullivan, Acting Secretary General, Irish Red Cross (Based in Ireland)

3. About Voilà: Voilà is a leading mobile telecommunications operator in Haiti, providing high-quality, affordable wireless service. Since its inception 10 years ago, over US$200 million has been invested in Haiti. Voilà employs over 500 local staff and provides indirect employment to more than 15,000 Haitians through a micro-enterprise venture whereby local entrepreneurs sell time on a customized cell phone. For more information on Voilà, please see its website: www.familyinthe509.com or contact Carol Wilson + 1 425-458-5958; carol.wilson@trilogy-international.com.

Background

• The earthquake struck on Tuesday 12 Jan at 12:00 local time, measuring 7.3 on the Richter scale, and shook the capital of Port-au-Prince and other areas of the country, with Haiti's West Province (pop. 2.2m) most affected.
• A powerful 6.1 aftershock was felt throughout Port-au-Prince on Wednesday 20 January, with the epicentre near the town of Jacmel. Though this new tremor caused much fear, some injuries and some damaged structures to collapse altogether, there were no reports of deaths or other serious situations. It is thought that aftershocks will still continue to be felt for some time.

How you can help

Donations are being accepted online at www.redcross.ie or by calling 1850 50 70 70.

Cheque and postal orders should be marked for the relevant appeal and made payable to:

Irish Red Cross
16 Merrion Square,
Dublin 2.

For media enquiries please contact Pia Ward on 087 - 7433 275 or alternatively David Curtin on 086 - 283 2123 to arrange an interview.