ARTICLE - CAMPAIGN TO HALT CHOLERA

CAMPAIGN TO HALT CHOLERA CONTINUES IN HAITI
(Reuters Alertnet) - Source: Plan UK

Website: http://www.plan-uk.org

Children account for nearly two-thirds of cases in Haiti's deadly cholera outbreak, reports NGO Plan International.

Young Haitians represent 60 percent of casualties as poor sewerage systems, overcrowding, torrential rains and lack of clean water feed the epidemic.

Plan's work to help halt the spread of the disease has so far reached 90,000 people, with the death-toll at 1,250 from more than 52,000 suspected cases.

"Aid agencies, the UN and the government are all stretched to their limits by the earthquake, flood and recent hurricane," says Plan's country director in Haiti, Jim Emerson.

"Cholera response has the highest priority but violent protests are hampering relief operations."

Plan has been working to contain the outbreak since cases were first reported, and has now scaled up operations by deploying a medical taskforce.

"Rapid needs assessments will take place over the coming days to get a better understanding of where Plan can be most effective," says Mr Emerson.

A 'cholera cluster' consisting of different aid agencies could be set-up to unify water, sanitation and health work.

At least half of Plan's resources will be focused on women and children in a bid to prevent deaths.
Plan's awareness campaign to halt the spread of cholera has so far reached about 9,580 people in the Croix des Bouquets suburb of Port-au-Prince alone.

The charity has also helped restock and distribute hygiene kits at a medical centre run by the Merlin agency.

Field staff have been distributing soap and water containers to families, while providing rehydration salts to those with diarrhoea.

"Prevention of cholera and dehydration, along with care and treatment of vulnerable children and cholera cases are the focus," says Mr Emerson.