Relief workers are stating that pockets of violence in Haiti are making it difficult for aid to be delivered. Additionally, some Haitian residents have come together to protect themselves from looters.

"We never count on the government here," said Tatony Vieux, 29. "Never."

Just one week after an earthquake hit Port-au-Prince, the Haitian capital, aid has not yet been supplied to those most in need. The destruction of the country's already battered infrastructure has made it difficult to get to regions that need the most support.

The United Nations Security Council passed a resolution approving additional peace keeping forces. Also, 2,000 U.S. Marines have lined the shores of Haiti prepared to provide support.

Casualties in Haiti are greater than previously thought. The European Commission, using data from the Haitian government, has now stated that there are roughly 200,000 dead, with 70,000 bodies buried in mass graves. So many bodies in the Haitian heat can lead to the spread of disease, creating an even more complex health crisis in the region.

To make matters more challenging, the distribution of aid has been negatively impacted by the blocked ports and roads that were destroyed during the earthquake. Many survivors are disappointed and frustrated that help has not yet arrived. The European Commission estimates that 250,000 people were injured and 1.5 million were made homeless by the earthquake. "I simply don't understand what is taking the foreigners so long," said Raymond Saintfort, a pharmacist.

It's clear that there is an urgent need to get foreign aid to the Haitian people. If you have not given to charities designed to support the Haitian people, you may want to consider doing so. Various groups, such as Yele Haiti, Doctors Without Borders and the American Red Cross have stepped forward to help, but creative methods of delivery must be used to help people get what they need. Additionally, the United States should be committed to long-term investments in Haitian infrastructure, as well as more favorable trade agreements to help the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere find a way to economic stability.

Dr. Boyce Watkins is the founder of the Your Black World Coalition. To have Dr. Boyce's commentary delivered to your e-mail, please click here.