Since the outbreak of cholera epidemic in Haiti, many international efforts have been directed toward elimination of the disease and reduction the toll of this fatal epidemic. According to the latest official figures, the lowest number of cases and cholera-related deaths is observed which reflects the success of international communities to significantly reduce loss of lives and damages brought about by the epidemic.
However, the Prime Minister of the country believes that cholera still continues to be an emergency that needs the development of all possible strategies to eliminate the disease in Haiti. Since cholera is most often spread through the ingestion of contaminated food or drinking water, lack of access to safe water, sanitation and health systems will be challenging.
The government needs international support to improve public health and make safe drinking and sanitation available for the whole population. Unfortunately more than a third of the population most of whom live in remote rural areas cannot access safe water.
The UN has done a lot in cooperation with other international agencies to combat the problem and is now appealing for $70 million to continue the short-term strategy for the next two years with the objective to uproot cholera in the country and provide adequate water, sanitation, and health services.