Saving Orphans from Cholera Outbreak

After more than 3 years without new cases of Cholera, Haitian Ministry of health and the office Of Civil Protection reported a cholera outbreak in October 2022. As of November 7, 2022, the MSPP reported over 600 confirmed cholera cases and over 6,500 suspected cases in the greater Port-au-Prince area. Our Hunger Relief International team with the support of donors like you responding rapidly coordinated support with the Centre Hospitalier Ste Catherine Laboure (CHOSCAL)  medical staff of Cite Soleil in addressing a rapid response for refugees, camps, and displaced communities to prevent this cholera outbreak from spreading further.

To help the community of Cité Soleil as well as the dozen orphanages HRI supports regularly, HRI committed to address the challenges related to health care, procurement, and prevention. HRI has not hesitated to support several activities since October 2022, including the distribution of hygiene kits, medical supplies, donation of medicines, educational activities, and human resources support.  WASH activities have been one of HRI priorities. We have provided dozens of handwashing training sessions. People infected with cholera, depending on their level of dehydration, have been transferred by HRI to Cholera Treatment Centers (CTC).  HRI also supported the children by distributing anti-parasitic medications as well as vitamins and other medical products.

HRI contributed significantly to improve the sanitation, infrastructure and strengthening cholera treatment which reduced cholera spread in the camp for internally displaced persons and in Cite Solei. Improving case management efforts in coordination with CHOSCAL also contributed to reduce the mortality rate among people infected with cholera.

Despite HRI efforts, the situation remains dangerous for families in Cite Soleil, Solino, and some orphanages especially communities affected by violence and gangs’ control. The lack of water and roadblocks have increased the occurrence of new cases since mid-October 2023. New cases were reported in these areas where the minimum of hygiene remains low.

HRI considers the fight against cholera as a priority and a major asset to prevent the spread of it.

Summary of HRI impact

The reports for the period of intervention shows the following:

1. Number of average patients seen per month: 300 to 515 patients.
2. Number of suspect cholera cases seen per month at the camps: 30 to 86 patients including children.
3. Number of kids under 5 treated for cholera at the camp per month: 35 to 98.
4. Around 3,000 refugees had access to clean water and some families received aqua tabs and hygiene kits.
5. Four kids were evacuated emergently by HRI staff for emergency care.

Direct support to Ste Catherine medical team:

1. Health care delivery through the availability of HRI’s medical doctor, nurse, logistics staff and social worker.
2. Thousands of medical supplies and medications donated by HRI.
3. Infrastructure support (chairs, folding chairs and tables, tents) donated by HRI.
4. WASH: Hand washing stations, sanitary products, hand sanitizers, soaps donated by HRI.
5. Awareness, sensitizations, and prevention activities on site conducted by HRI staff (doctor, nurse, social worker, program staff).

Together, we are saving the lives of orphans, children, adults and whole families! Thank you for partnering with HRI!

Links:

• HRI website
• HRI Facebook for Frequent Updates
• HRI Twitter for Frequent Updates