iciHaiti - Health : Artibonite, the department most affected by cholera
During the month of November 2017, Artibonite remained the most affected department with 402 suspected cases. Cholera outbreak was also reported in the Nord-Ouest department where 157 cases were recorded, showing a slight reemergence of the epidemic towards the north of the country. Despite this, between January and November 2017, the country recorded a total of 12,990 suspected cases of cholera and 141 deaths, a decrease of 67% and 66% respectively compared to the same period in 2016.
Sustained efforts continue in all the departments of the country: 57 mobile teams supported by UNICEF, in partnership with the rapid response mobile teams (EMIRA) of the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP) and technicians of the emergency response department of the National Directorate of Potable Water and Sanitation (DINEPA) quickly intervene to prevent the transmission of the disease in the affected communities. At the institutional level, PAHO/WHO, together with health partners, provide support for coordination and strengthening of field management in outbreak areas.
However, the weaknesses of the health system, poor access to water and sanitation, as well as the lack of funding may jeopardize the efforts of all the actors involved in the health sector’s fight against cholera. Thus, the country is exposed to the risk of a sudden upsurge of the disease.
