Abbott pledges funds to aid Haiti earthquake victims

Abbott announced this week that it will put forward $1 million (614,000 pounds) in initial humanitarian aid to Haiti, following a devastating earthquake that hit the country on Tuesday January 12th.

The pharmaceutical firm’s donation will contribute towards grant funding and the pharmaceutical supplies integral to the operation of aid organisations working in the country.

According to the company, this builds on its efforts through the Abbott Fund, which since 2007 has provided over $34 million in grants and product donations to address health needs in Haiti.

Catherine Babington, president of the Abbott Fund, commented: “The recent earthquake has had a devastating impact on Haiti’s limited health care system, which was already facing significant challenges.”

The earthquake, which struck at 21:53 GMT around ten miles south-west of the capital city Port-au-Prince, measured 7.0 on the Richter scale.

Although no official figures have yet been released, it is estimated that the death toll will amount to several thousand.