HAITI: CHOLERA INFECTIONS SPREADING BUT HUMANITARIAN RESPONSE SAVING LIVES

(Port-au-Prince/New York, 11 November 2010): Over 11,000 Haitians have been hospitalized with cholera infections since the outbreak began on 22 October, but the response launched by the Government of Haiti with the support of the humanitarian community has prevented many deaths.

"The initial swift and effective response launched by the national authorities, combined with the stocks and expertise that humanitarian organizations already had in-country, has without doubt saved lives," said Nigel Fisher, Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti.

The Government is focusing its efforts on areas of the country which do not have access to any potable water sources, particularly in the central departments and in the greater Port-au-Prince area, and on purifying water supplies in all departments. A crisis cell has been established, and a major nationwide cholera sensitization and information campaign is being prepared.

In support of these efforts, the humanitarian community has deployed water and sanitation experts to support Government teams verifying water quality around the country. Nearly half a million water tablets, soap and oral rehydration salts are being distributed, targeting areas where cholera has already been detected. A large scale public information campaign to educate people how to avoid cholera infection is underway.

Cholera treatment centres - an essential first line of response - are now open in 15 urban centres around the country, including seven in Port-au-Prince. Public and private hospitals around the country have been equipped to respond, and assessment teams are determining where additional treatment centres may be needed, including in rural areas.

Despite the advances, the Government and its humanitarian partners are still planning for a major nationwide outbreak. The life saving aid effort will have to keep moving with at least the same momentum in the days and weeks ahead. However national and international resources are now stretched to the limit. More medical personnel and equipment, water purification equipment and tablets, water tankers, water treatment units, family water kits, hygiene kits and soap need to arrive urgently. A special cholera appeal is being prepared and will be released soon.

"A major effort has already been made, but the sheer quantity of relief items that need to be delivered in the days and weeks ahead is going to require more logistical and financial support for the Government by all humanitarian agencies and donors and very close coordination. Without this the epidemic could well outrun our efforts."

For further information, please call:

Nicholas Reader, OCHA-Haiti Tel +509 3491 2244, mobile +1 646 752 3117, reader@un.org

Elisabeth Diaz, RC/HC office Port au Prince, Tel +509 3791 9481, elisabeth.diaz@undp.org

Stephanie Bunker, OCHA-New York, +1 917 367 5126, mobile +1 347 244 2106, bunker@un.org

Elisabeth Byrs, OCHA-Geneva, +41 22 917 2653, mobile +41 79 473 4570, byrs@un.org

For more information about OCHA please see: http://ochaonline.un.org