HEALTH CLUSTER BULLETIN CHOLERA OUTBREAK IN HAITI - #3
(ReliefWeb) - Source: Pan American Health Organization (PAHO); World Health Organization (WHO)
SITUATION OVERVIEW
Forty tons of essential medicines and health promotion materials were distributed throughout the country today in a partnership among the Ministry Health (MSPP), the Health Cluster, and the Logistics Cluster.
This was the first of a three-day operation based on the government strategy to send essential medicines and supplies to areas hardest hit by cholera, as well as to preposition supplies in remote locations.
Shipments left PROMESS, the PAHO/WHO medical warehouse, using five WFP trucks. Four helicopter missions headed to Port de Paix and Fort Liberte with essential medicines such IV fluids, ORS, and antibiotics, health promotion posters, and technical guidelines.
The social unrest continues to limit access to health facilities in certain areas and may result in significant mortality
Cholera response operations in the North Department were hampered by civil unrest in Cap Haïtien.
No shipments of medical supplies have been received since last weekend, and planned distribution for the week of November 15 was postponed because of blocked roads.
Health Cluster partners remain in Cap Haïtien and are working to coordinate operations under challenging circumstances.
Several initiatives are on hold, including support to cholera treatment centers (CTC), training of health personnel, and delivering supplies to affected communities.
Although many partners are operating in Haiti, many areas are not covered for cholera treatment. Insufficient human resources is a major gap in providing treatment to cholera patients.
It takes an average staff of 130 people to manage a 100 bed Cholera Treatment Center (CTC).
The Health Cluster is working with partners on developing a surge capacity with NGOs, the Federation, the Cuban Brigades and the Brazilian Brigades that would allow for an additional 1000 CTC beds in Port-au-Prince.
PAHO/WHO has added additional staff in the areas of logistics, risk assessment, case management, and disease surveillance.
Social mobilization and health promotion efforts need to be scaled-up as people are still scared of cholera.
For example, the Red Cross reports that in Marmelade, people suffering from other diseases have refused to visit hospitals because of fear of contracting cholera. This includes pregnant women who are foregoing regular medical check-ups.
Management of dead bodies has been temporarily solved in metropolitan Port-au-Prince, but has created significant challenges in other areas of the country - specifically the North West Department.
As of November 19, 36 CTCs and 61 CTUs were operational throughout the country, while new Oral Rehydration Centers (ORC) are being set up every day in communes.
Health partners continue to support the MSPP and the Government of Haiti through implementation of the national cholera response plan.
To support health promotion activities, PAHO/WHO has distributed 97,000 posters and 150,000 laminated pages with guidance on cholera prevention and treatment. These resources have been distributed to government agencies and NGOs in affected departments.
In metropolitan Port-au-Prince, 11 of the 14 planned CTCs have been constructed. Although their bed capacity is limited, CTUs serve as an important point of entry for triaging cholera cases.
Routine immunization of children against vaccine-preventable diseases took place in many regions of Haiti on November 16, as part of Haiti's Children's Health Week. Cholera education and treatment activities were included as part of these activities.
Full_Report (pdf* format - 160.2 Kbytes)
No comments:
Post a Comment