Distributing hygeine kits to prevent the spread of disease. Photo: Paul Jeffrey, ACT.
The people of Haiti continue to battle an outbreak of cholera that has already resulted in over 11,000 cases and 700 deaths, according to the Pan American Health Organization. Although cases of cholera were detected in northern regions of the country prior to Hurricane Tomas, the storm’s heavy rains and flooding in some areas exacerbated already precarious sanitation conditions in many central and southern camps. The outbreak has now spread to Port-au-Prince, the capital city, and surrounding districts.
PWS&D’s partners in the ACT Alliance are continuing to distribute over 8 million water purification tables, soap, buckets and oral rehydration solutions to earthquake survivors. They are also undertaking activities to educate people in schools and communities on the importance of hand washing in order to reduce the spread of disease. A total of 14 cholera treatment centres are actively treating cases in the affected regions.
You Can Help
As the people of Haiti struggle to recover from yet another disaster, please remember them through your prayers and donations. You can make a donation through your church, by mailing a cheque to the office, donating online or calling PWS&D at 1-800-619-7301 ext. 291. Please mark all donations “Haiti.” Visit the Haiti page for the latest news.
Presbyterian World Service & Development is the development and relief agency of The Presbyterian Church in Canada. Visit the PWS&D Facebook page.
