UN appeals for $164 million in aid for Haiti's cholera outbreak

UN appeals for $164 million in aid for Haiti's cholera outbreak

2010-11-13 11:20:17 GMT+7 (ICT)

UNITED NATIONS (BNO NEWS) -- The United Nations on Friday appealed for $164 million to support Haiti's effort to fight the deadly cholera outbreak that has claimed several hundred lives in the recent days.

The UN and partners launched the Cholera Inter-Sector Response Strategy that will manage the funds for getting additional doctors, medicines and water purification equipment to respond to the epidemic that broke out on October 22.

According to the latest reports, over 11,000 Haitians have been infected and are hospitalized and at least 796 people have died. Up to 200,000 remain at risk and around 1.3 million Haitians currently living in refugee camps with unsanitary conditions and limited supplies.

Cholera is spread by contaminated food and water. Cholera treatment centers are now open in 15 urban centers across the country, including seven in Port-au-Prince, while the UN Population Fund has distributed nearly 7,000 hygiene kits since the beginning of this month, targeting pregnant women and people living with HIV/AIDS.

“A major effort has already been made, but the sheer quantity of relief items that need to be delivered in the days and weeks ahead is going to require more logistical and financial support for the Government by all humanitarian agencies and donors and very close coordination,†said Nigel Fisher, UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Haiti.

Five out of the ten departments, or administrative divisions, that make up Haiti have been directly affected by cholera since the outbreak. Nearly half a million water tablets, soap and oral re hydration salts are being distributed, targeting areas where cholera has already been detected.

Most of the requested funds, about $89 million, will be used for water, sanitation and hygiene, while $43 million will be used for health, and $19 million for efforts in the camps housing people displaced by the earthquake.

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