Responding to the surge in cholera cases in northern Haiti’s Artibonite department – Haiti

The epidemic has been raging for several months in the department, where access to clean water and sanitation services remains a significant challenge

Lalaina F. Andriamasinoro & Herold Joseph

GROS MORNE, Haiti – 5 October 2023 – Josuas Achelus and his two-year-old son, Jovenson, arrived at the UNICEF-supported Cholera Treatment Centre located within Alma Mater Hospital in the town of Gros Morne, Artibonite, northern Haiti, just three days ago. His son, Jovenson, lay in the center, slowly beginning to recover.

“At home, he started vomiting, and hours later, he had diarrhea. He weakened very quickly. That’s why we rushed to the hospital, which directed us to this cholera treatment center” Josuas said.

“When they arrived here, the child was completely dehydrated. Cholera is a bacterial infection typically characterized by two easily identifiable symptoms: vomiting and diarrhea. However, it can lead to sudden death due to severe dehydration if not treated promptly” noted Dr. Norvilus Bertrand, the hospital’s head.

“The disease is easily treatable when detected early, and most infected individuals have been successfully treated through the prompt administration of oral rehydration solution (ORS)” he said. “We have sent all the samples to the laboratory to confirm whether it is cholera or not. In any case, all the symptoms indicate it.”

The epidemic has been raging for several months in the department, where access to clean water and sanitation services remains a significant challenge, exacerbated by insecurity and armed group violence. Since the onset of the outbreak, the department has reported a total of 9,990 suspected cases, resulting in 137 related deaths.

“Cholera is extremely contagious. It is usually transmitted through fecally contaminated water, hands, or food. The rainy season, coupled with high rates of open defecation, creates a perfect environment for the disease to spread. As long as people continue to neglect their personal hygiene, the threat of cholera will continue to loom around us” warned Dr. Norvilus.

UNICEF and its partners are ramping up their operations on the ground to contain the spread of the disease. In Artibonite, the organization supported the establishment of cholera treatment centers, conducted extensive disinfection of water storage and sources using chlorine to combat bacteria, and distributed water purification equipment and hygiene materials to affected households. A total of 23,000 persons have been reached so far with UNICEF’s critical cholera response. It includes the distribution of chlorine, cholera and hygiene kits in violence-affected areas, as well as the restoration of damaged water sources.

At the community level, UNICEF has undertaken a series of actions to promote hygiene awareness in affected communities. 150 community health workers (ASCP) have been deployed in the most affected communes to raise awareness about the measures individuals can take at the household level to prevent cholera and facilitate patient referrals.

The cholera outbreak is advancing rapidly throughout the country, with over 63,000 reported suspected cases and more than 620 associated deaths. “The epidemic is spreading at a rapid pace across the country. We urgently call for additional support to enable us to scale up our response,” stated Bruno Maes, UNICEF Representative in Haiti.