Haiti has been facing a resurgence of cholera since October 2022, after a three-year absence. More than 31,360 people are currently hospitalized, 2,461 cases are confirmed and more than 35,375 cases are suspected (Ministry of Public Health and Population – MSPP / updated March 8, 2023). According to the WHO, two-thirds of the Haitian population do not have sufficient access to health facilities. Moreover, the context in which this epidemic is emerging complicates humanitarian interventions:
« Haiti is marked by a deep economic and political crisis and by a highly tense security climate – particularly in Port-au-Prince and its surroundings, » explains Dominique St-Cyr, Head of Mission for Médecins du Monde Canada in Haiti. « In this context, part of the population, particularly women – the primary victims of this violence, thus have more difficulty accessing cholera treatment centers ».
Nearly half of cholera cases involve children
40% of cholera cases involve children. And those with an immune system already weakened by severe malnutrition are three times more likely to die from the infection:
« This situation is truly alarming. We are particularly concerned about children, who account for 40% of confirmed cholera cases. They can die from dehydration if they are not treated immediately. We must act quickly », concludes Dominique St-Cyr.
Médecins du Monde raises awareness within communities
On the one hand, the organization coordinates 115 community health workers who travel through the most affected areas in the west of the country. These workers raise awareness about transmission risks, ways to protect oneself, and disease detection. They support the sick, redirect them, and distribute hygiene kits (water purification tablets, oral rehydration solution sachets, etc.) in communities and health centers.
Supporting health centers
On the other hand, Médecins du Monde supports three hospitals in Port-au-Prince (Centre Hospitalier de Fontaine, Sainte Catherine de Laboure, and Centre Haitiano Arabe Plan International) to facilitate the management of cases (suspected or confirmed), the training of medical staff, the reinforcement of teams, and the distribution of medical equipment.
Médecins du Monde in Haiti
Médecins du Monde, present in Haiti since 1996, provides assistance to populations affected by the epidemic in the departments of Ouest, Nippes, and Centre (3 of the 6 affected departments).
FOR MEDIA REQUESTS, PLEASE CONTACT MÉLISSA CABANA, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS AND MOBILIZATION
Cell: 514-799-8985
melissa.cabana@medecinsdumonde.ca
Photo: Hosam Salem and Medicos del Mundo Spain