Haiti cholera response update: Dec. 2, 2010

Situation overview:

Cholera cases have now been recorded in all 10 of Haiti’s departments, with Artibonite remaining by far the most affected. Port-au-Prince and other areas where World Vision works remain affected, and new cases have been identified in camps in both Port-au-Prince and on the island of La Gonave.

The UN’s worst-case projection for the cholera epidemic is now 400,000 cases, approximately half of these occurring in the first three months of the outbreak.

As of November 29, there were more than 80,000 recorded cases and 1,817 deaths.

Our response:

In addition to our prevention and mitigation activities, World Vision is currently designing a response plan covering the period up until September 2011. With the rainy season due to occur in April-May, it is likely that cholera will be a significant issue at least until June. The plan thus projects a high-intensity program through June, which would include a mix of preventative and curative activities (many of which are already running). The plan will also prepare for possible outcomes beyond June, for example, a decrease in cases after the rainy season, or a spike in cases during the October-November rainy season. The plan will be adjusted accordingly as new information comes to light.

Weekly activity updates:

Regional World Vision leaders have been coordinating with partners, including local authorities, churches, school personnel, and other NGOs, and restocking supplies, as many have already been distributed to impacted or at-risk communities. A continuing awareness campaign reached an additional 165 persons in our programs in the North.

Health:

Work continues in World Vision’s project areas to rehydrate infected persons, administer oral serum, disinfect houses, latrines and cadavers. New soap distributions have taken place, reaching over 200 families and 500 school students. 150 families have received hygiene kits. Over 1500 children participated in cholera awareness activities in World Vision project areas.

A Cholera Treatment Centre (CTC) and a Cholera Treatment Unit (CTU) are being established on La Gonave. There are plans to establish a further two CTUs on the island.

The first CTU will be operational in Port-au-Prince soon. Oral Rehydration Centres (ORCs) are functioning in Port au Prince and other areas, with more planned in coming weeks.

Water, Sanitation and Hygiene:

Potable water continues to be delivered on a daily basis to 120,000 people in 56 camps. A World Vision vehicle disinfection station sanitized 350 vehicles in the past week.

Children:

Prior to the election period, cholera prevention messaging and soap had been provided in 21 schools to 234 teachers and 4,598 children. World Vision plans to expand this programming into more schools.