Pitt Center for Global Health Plans “Haiti’s Road to Recovery” Panel

In the aftermath of Haiti’s devastating Jan. 12 earthquake, the University of Pittsburgh’s Center for Global Health is presenting a panel discussion, “Haiti’s Road to Recovery—A Discussion of Complexities,” at 4 p.m. on Feb. 2 in Ballroom A, University Club.

Panelists include Donald S. Burke, dean of Pitt’s Graduate School of Public Health, associate vice chancellor for global health, and the UPMC-Jonas Salk Chair in Global Health at Pitt; Mary Carrasco, director of international and community initiatives, Pittsburgh Mercy Health System; Louise Comfort, a professor of public and urban affairs in Pitt’s Graduate School of Public and International Affairs;Kent Harries, a civil engineering professor and William Kepler Whiteford Faculty Fellow in Pitt’s Swanson School of Engineering; Kathleen Hower, executive director and cofounder, Global Links; and Samuel Stebbins, assistant professor of epidemiology in Pitt’s Graduate School of Public Health.

With most of Haiti’s infrastructure destroyed by the 7.0 magnitude earthquake, relief efforts face a monumental challenge. Comparisons with recent major disasters, such as the Tsunami of 2004, demonstrate that Haiti poses a much tougher challenge. Former President Bill Clinton, now the U.N. Special Envoy to Haiti, says the country has an opportunity to be a better place than it was before the devastating earthquake.

The panel discussion will address whether such a scenerio is possible or whether the lessons of history and Haiti’s special circumstances indicate otherwise. Panelists will also discuss what individuals, other countries, and global organizations and agencies must do to put Haiti on the road to recovery.

The discussion is free and open to the public. More information on the event is available by calling 412-624-6985. For more information on Pitt’s Center for Global Health, visit www.globalhealth.pitt.edu/.