Cholera Statement Update

Updated Cholera Statement

This week, health officials confirmed that cholera has spread to Port-au-Prince, the capital city of Haiti.  International Child Care has not experienced any cholera infections among our staff or patients at this time. Dr. John Yates, ICC’s International Director, writes “We are getting ready just in case,” as he described ICC Haiti’s preventative measures, as well as the steps we have prepared should a cholera infection occur at Grace Children’s Hospital.

ICC Haiti’s technical director has been representing ICC regularly at Ministry of Health coordination meetings, as well as meetings with other NGOs. According to Dr. Yates, staff are carefully maintaining practices set forth by Haitian health officials and the World Health Organization.

ICC Haiti is also in a unique position to help spread information about cholera and its treatment. Through decades of work in tuberculosis treatment and prevention, ICC Haiti has developed a network of health clinics and community health programming throughout the country. Using this network, ICC is disseminating the public health emphasis on prevention. Cholera infection risks are decreased by frequent hand washing with clean water, safe food preparation, etc. Oral rehydration is the most important and effective treatment for those who are affected.  ICC is spreading that message, as well as distributing the needed items to make the solution: clean water, sugar, and salt are the most basic ingredients.

As the staff prepares, we ask for your prayers and continued support for International Child Care and Grace Children’s Hospital.