Haitians unite to tackle the cholera crisis

“I have visited several cholera treatment centers in the worst-affected neighborhoods of Port-au-Prince and seen heartbreaking scenes: children who were so malnourished it was difficult to insert a catheter into their arms or legs; adults who were clearly very sick.

What immediately struck me was the strong smell of disinfectant chlorine, which is used to sterilize the immediate environment, which is clearly a sign that the center is well run by health professionals who know how to prevent and treat disease. I saw staff continuously cleaning the floor and surfaces to make sure the cholera bacteria couldn’t spread any further.

I was deeply impressed and moved by the commitment and dedication of the health workers. I have met many inspiring people who embody with high professionalism and have shown humanity and enormous empathy with patients in treatment. Many have told me that Haitians are coming together to get through this difficult time.

Strong increase in cases

Until a few days ago, the increase in cholera cases had been gradual, but now we are seeing a worrying increase, so lThe situation has become more difficult.

It is important to remember that although cholera can be deadly, it is preventable and treatable. Speed ​​is essential to contain an outbreak and save lives. I believe that the public health response of the Haitian authorities and local and international NGOs, with the support of the UN, was immediate and decisive, despite the shortage of drinking water and fuel that is necessary to supply energy to sanitary facilities and allow staff to work.

Cholera treatment centers were quickly set up to care for the sick. Haitians have experienced cholera before, so there is knowledge and experience that is invaluable now to prevent the outbreak from getting out of hand.

The public health messages of the Ministry of Health on the radio and through text messages, which the UN supports, underline the importance of preventive measures such as handwashing and disinfection.

The inability for people to move freely, especially in the capital Port-au-Prince, due to the prevailing insecurity situation and lack of fuel, may also have contributed to containing the spread, although this insecurity has also complicated the response to cholera .

Since the first day of the outbreak, the UN in Haiti, with its national and international partners, has worked alongside the Ministry of Health.

The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) has supported our partners to open 13 cholera treatment centers. Oral rehydration points are also being set up, especially in hard-to-reach communities, to treat milder cases and refer others to inpatient facilities, and assistance has been provided to train 300 community health workers. These workers are crucial as there are many communities that are isolated due to violence by armed gangs.

The United Nations Children’s Fund and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are supporting Haitian authorities and partner organizations with chlorine, water purification tablets, hygiene kits and medical supplies such as oral rehydration salts. UNICEFthrough its partners, is also deploying mobile health clinics in Cité Soleil, the most affected neighborhood in the capital.

The humanitarian situation in Haiti is desperate for many and cholera is just one of the most urgent challenges. The increase in hunger facing too many Haitians is another major concern that needs to be addressed. The World Food Program has resumed its food distribution within Cité Soleil, reaching more than 5,500 vulnerable people since mid-October.

Coordinator and problem solver

As the United Nations representative in Haiti, my role is to facilitate the Organization’s response in a way that maximizes our impact and ensures that all of our knowledge and experience effectively support the Ministry of Health’s cholera prevention and treatment strategy.

This means establishing links, whether here in Haiti with national entities or with different areas of the UN, so that our combined effort is greater than the sum of its parts.

Indeed, I have been impressed not only by the rapid mobilization of agencies and colleagues on the ground, but also by the attention and action of the highest leadership of the United Nations.

Being able to help is essential: for example, when there are bottlenecks, due to the lack of fuel for treatment centers, they call me to help solve the problem.

As a last resort, our common goal is to work for a cholera-free Haiti and, since the last outbreak, I have witnessed first-hand the UN’s commitment to the people of Haiti.

Since its creation, the United Nations and Haiti have shared a strong bond. Now, once again, it is time for the UN and Haitians to come together to face this crisis, so that Haiti and its people come out stronger and more united as the country continues on the path to stability, equality and prosperity.

The figure of resident coordinator

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