Cholera outbreak strikes Haiti

 

By Emily Esworthy/IMA

Disease is often a concern following a natural disaster such as the January 2010 earthquake in Haiti, especially when people are displaced and sanitation is inadequate.

IMA World Health has been helping to battle a deadly outbreak of cholera since it appeared in Haiti in mid-October. Cholera is a highly contagious bacterial infection that can be fatal within hours, causing severe and rapid dehydration. Without proper immediate action, infection and death spread quickly.

According to media reports, more than 90,000 cases of cholera have been reported to date. Cases are now being reported in densely populated Port-au-Prince—where thousands of people have been living in tent cities since the January earthquake.

Haiti was also hit by Hurricane Tomas on November 5, further complicating health and sanitation conditions. The World Health Organization (WHO) is advising aid organizations to prepare for a long-term battle.

"The projections of 200,000 cases over the next six to 12 months show the amplitude of what could be expected," said WHO spokesman Gregory Hartl.

IMA first responded to the outbreak in October by hand delivering supplies to hospitals in Saint-Marc, which is located two hours north of Port au Prince and is the home of IMA's largest office in Haiti.

In partnership with the American Baptist Church and the United Church of Christ (One Great Hour of Sharing), IMA sent a shipment of medicines and supplies in early November, including 100,000 water purification tablets; 40,000 tabs of antibiotics; 1,800 bars of soap; 15,000 packs of oral rehydration salts and 20,000 exam gloves.

IMA is also partnering with Lutheran World Relief and the Abbott Fund on an upcoming initiative to help slow the spread of the disease. In total, IMA and partners are investing $75,000 in the battle against cholera.

According to IMA President and CEO Rick Santos, IMA is dedicated to supporting health needs in Haiti "for as long as it takes."