UNICEF - United Nations Children's Fund

Published purpose

22 November 2010 – The cholera epidemic in Haiti has killed 1,344 people and 23,377 have been hospitalized according to the Haitian Ministry of Health (MSPP). There are also many cases and deaths in the community and remote areas that go unreported as these individuals are unable to access medical services on time. The epidemic has spread from the Artibonite region to most of the country, including Port-au-Prince and the camps, which are home to 1.3 million people displaced by the January earthquake. CIDA is supporting UNICEF’s work with the Government of Haiti, the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and health, water and sanitation cluster members to operationalize the cholera response at both national and regional levels. Specific activities include: providing material and technical support to Haiti’s National Directorate for Potable Water (DINEPA); providing drinking water for health facilities, schools and residential child care facilities; conducting a public awareness campaign on hygiene; supporting the MSPP through technical assistance and training on the treatment of cholera for health workers; and providing material and logistical support to community therapeutic care and oral rehydration units.