Since the last year the situation of the Haitian people has continued to deteriorate and the population is facing all kinds of difficulties. Hunger, and food insecurity (5.7 million people according to latest UN report), kidnapping, and the high cost of living (inflation over 30% https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-37586-haiti-flash-inflation-breaks-records-and-crosses-the-30-mark.html ) characterize daily living conditions. Among all of those are added troubles with gang warfare, which often push populations to leave their homes for safety, and sometimes even pushes refuges in public places. The ongoing 6 week long blockade of the entrance to the Varreux fuel terminal by armed groups has worsened the already dire situation.

Along with the severe shortage of fuel Haitians also face also a shortage of drinking water which is contributing to the resurgence of cholera contamination, especially in the dense populated and slum areas and in the prisons.

St Luke Foundation, as always, has pledged to help the most vulnerable and since early October has set up Rehydration Centers in Cite Soleil at the Ste Marie medical center and St Luke Hospital in Tabarre. To date, more than 100 patients has been welcomed for Cholera care.

Sunday, October 23rd, we have more 25 cholera patients hospitalized at St Luc Hospital and 53 at Ste Marie Hospital in Cite Soleil. At the same time, St Luke has supported inmates at The National Penitentiary Prison, where hunger and a Cholera outbreak have been reported. The following items have been recently been provided: 20 cholera beds, around 200,000 sachets of drinking water, 500 hygienic kits, 100 bags/50 kg of rice, 15 bags of 50 kg of corn, 100 bag of pasta, 5 boxes of oil, 5 bags of salt. In addition, 140 water trucks of 3,000 gallons of drinking water have been delivered to Cite Soleil affected areas and 10 cholera beds to the general hospital. St Luke remains committed to and more will be distributed in the coming days.

IH/ iciHaiti