November 15, 2010
In the midst of a cholera epidemic, Haiti was dealt another blow recently by hurricane Tomas. The storm was not as severe as predicted, but many areas in Port au Prince and Haiti are severely flooded. Providing clean water and sanitation has been complicated by the flooding. Fortunately, GHESKIO's refugee camp was high enough that flooding was not extensive. However, there are 1.2 million homeless people in tents and more living in extreme poverty in the surrounding area. Cholera remains a huge concern, and reported cases of cholera in Port au Prince have increased in the past couple of days. With support from the Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, we are addressing the cholera epidemic. We face four challenges related to the cholera outbreak and the hurricane:
- Provide potable water ASAP and in the long term to 40,000 families in the GHESKIO neighborhood: 200,000 gallons a day. We started with our own means and with the support of UNICEF we will have additional aqua tabs to be distributed to the slum populations.
- Set up as many rehydration centers as possible to be installed inside Cite de Dieu and Cite l’Eternel, the slums across from GHESKIO. We have developed a curriculum and our personnel have been trained. We have discussed with community leaders about this intervention. We need to decide with them quickly where they should be placed, who will be trained and to provide them with the necessary supplies. Water will again be a challenge.
- The greatest issue is how to dispose of feces in neighborhoods where there are no latrines. No viable solutions to date. We are studying many possibilities.
- The hurricane flooded the entire down-town area. We have stagnant water in most places. We need experts in engineering to help.
From Dr. Jean Pape, Port au Prince, Haiti