Commentary Haiti: The potential transgenerational effect of disasters

The scale of the damage wrought on the population of Haiti by the recent earthquakes has resulted in almost unprecedented efforts to render aid to a disaster-stricken populace. After the immediate aftermath of the earthquakes, it is essential that aid work continues so that the infrastructure can be rebuilt, displaced people re-housed, food supplies unhindered and medical care optimised. This aspect of aid is clear to all. However, the impact of such catastrophes not only on the current inhabitants of Haiti but on future generations has received scant attention.