Haiti - ALERT: The Number Of Cholera Cases Exceeds That Of 2012

Haiti - ALERT : The number of cholera cases exceeds that of 2012
21/04/2015 10:14:08

Registered figures at the first quarter of 2015 are more than three times those recorded in the same period of last year. They are also slightly above those recorded in the same period in 2012 when the epidemic was at its peak.

With the first rains recorded since the beginning of the year, health officials have observed an increase in cholera cases in several towns, especially in the West and Artibonite departments. From 1 January to 31 March 2015, the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP) reported 11.414 suspected cases of cholera and 105 deaths, including 3,037 in March. These figures represent more than three times those recorded in the same period of last year when 3,772 cases and 28 deaths had been reported. They are also slightly above those recorded in the same period in 2012 when the epidemic was at its peak (10.832 cases and 61 deaths).

The metropolitan region of Port-au-Prince is the most affected, recording more than half of the 11.721 cases (52%). The MSSP reports that a dozen of commune of the country are on red alert. This is due to lax of compliance with the principles of hygiene according to the MSPP. Especially since the response capacities have declined significantly in recent years due to humanitarian under-funding.

The humanitarian community fears a passing of 27.753 cases recorded in 2014 if the trend continues. Remember that was estimated at 28,000, the estimated number of new cases in 2015.

Resource mobilization is more than necessary in order to support efforts of the Government and humanitarian partners to respond to the most urgent needs. Indeed, the rainy season will begin in early May, a period during which the possibilities of recording outbreaks are optimal. The humanitarian community therefore continues its advocacy in order to ensure that the human and financial resources are available during this critical phase. As part of the transition appeal launched in March, more than $ 80 million should be mobilized in 2015 and 2016 not only to strengthen national capacity for preparedness and rapid response to outbreaks, but also to fill gaps in access to quality medical treatment, drinking water and sanitation.

HL/ HaitiLibre