Cholera victims receive treatment inside a hospital run by Doctors Without Borders in Port-au-Prince November 15 , 2010.
Photo credit: REUTERS/St-Felix Evens
The cholera epidemic that recently spread throughout Haiti has killed hundreds and infected many more. After the January earthquake destroyed homes, hopsitals, water supply and sewages which are yet to be rebuilt, containing the outbreak has proved to be a challenge.
Caritas is working with local churches and the government to help stop the further spread of this deadly disease. A broad public information campaign is underway, which outlines key hygiene measures necessary for avoiding the contraction or spread of cholera. Messages are broadcast several times a day on national radio channels, as well as at masses, parish meetings, church gatherings, community-based group meetings, camps and church-run community health stations and clinics. According to Dolores Halpin-Bachmann, Caritas Emergency Response Team Coordinator, many Haitians are taking these messages very seriously and are incorporating the recommended good hygiene practices into their daily routines.
Hygiene kits, acquatabs and water filters are being distributed to assist vulnerable individuals and communities deal with the spread of the disease. Support is also being offered to Caritas and Church run hopsitals, clinics and health units to facilitate the handling and treatment of cholera cases.
Read more from the ground. Dolores Halpin-Bachmann, Caritas Emergency Response Team Coordinator, blogs about the current situation from Port-au-Prince in Haiti.
No comments:
Post a Comment