BAGHDAD, IRAQ

Huffman & Carpenter, Inc. participated in the Iraq Health System Strengthening Project for U.S. AID (a part of rebuilding Iraq after the 2003 war).  H&C's goal was to analyze and collect data to determine social indicators and trends that included:  household incomes and consumption; human development index and/or component indicators; poverty rates; and socioeconomic disparities.  This project also analyzed and collected data to determine demographic and health trends (over time and in a cross-national comparative perspective) such as:  population size and characteristics (age/gender, urban/rural, mortality rates by age/gender group and major cause); disease prevalence and incidence; and analysis of national health concerns such as location and availability of hospitalization services.

Current information about the state of the health system in Iraq is outdated and inadequate, especially where the health of children under the age of five is concerned.  The collection and collation of this information would help lead to better living conditions for infants and children, as well as the population in general.
 

PRECIOUS IN HIS SIGHT - HAITI

Huffman & Carpenter, Inc. conducted a risk assessment for lead in water, soils and dust in Haitian orphanages.  Water, soil, and dust samples were collected and analyzed for lead concentrations to assess the human health risk, especially for children up to the age of five, an age at which lead poisoning can lead to permanent damage.  WetLAB of Reno, Nevada, volunteered their time and equipment for laboratory analysis as a service to the children of Haiti.  Appropriate recommendations were made to orphanage personnel after the lead levels were determined.

For more information about Haitian orphanages, click on the link below: