Public health in Haiti--challenges and progress.

It has been a year since the earthquake of January 12, 2010, devastated the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere. Piles of rubble remaining throughout the Haitian capital and a devastating cholera epidemic provide stark reminders of the challenges that arise in the absence of the infrastructure and institutions that most of us take for granted. Strong public health systems are essential for maintaining and improving health and well-being. Fortunately, progress has been made in public health during the past year, which should encourage those who hoped that tackling the challenges of an unprecedented disaster could lead to long-term improvements . . .