Cholera Update 11/19

The cholera outbreak in Haiti continues to grow more severe, and at least one cholera case has also been confirmed in the Dominican Republic. This week, violence broke out in Cap Haitian, Haiti’s second-largest city, which is about eighty miles north of Port-au-Prince.  Reports also indicate that the violence has reached Port-au-Prince, which is hampering cholera relief efforts launched by major NGO’s and the Haitian government.

The violence and protests have been sparked by political unrest in advance of the November 28 elections, as well as accusations that United Nations peacekeepers brought cholera to the country. The Pan American Health Organization/World Health Organization, which has spearheaded the cholera response in conjunction with organizations operating in Haiti, is pleading with protestors for relief from the violence so that cholera relief efforts can resume. Many relief organizations have been forced to suspend operations due to the unrest.

International Child Care Haiti continues to monitor the situation in Haiti and help where able; we have offices in Cap Haitian, and are prepared for cholera patients at Grace Children’s Hospital in Port-au-Prince.  

ICC USA will continue to track the situation and inform our supporters as we are able.