Sharjah24 - AFP: According to Haiti's health ministry, the number of cholera cases has doubled to nearly 2,000 in a couple of days, and at least 41 people have died as a result.
Early October saw the start of the latest outbreak, which comes three years after the impoverished Caribbean country—which is also dealing with escalating insecurity—finally put an end to an outbreak that started in 2010 and claimed more than 10,000 lives.
According to Ulrika Richardson, the UN's humanitarian coordinator in Haiti, "up until a few days ago, the increase in cholera cases had been moderate, but now we are witnessing a worryingly quick spike, so the situation has grown more complex."
Although cholera can be fatal, she added that it can also be prevented and treated and that "time is of the key" in order to restrict the spread.
Richardson praised the "immediate and decisive" work being done by Haitian authorities and NGOs with UN support as they continue to struggle with severe fuel and clean water shortages brought on by gang blockades.
According to the Haitian health ministry, between October 19 and 23, the number of suspected cases in the country soared up from 964 to 1,972, while the number of fatalities increased from 33 to 41.
The capital city of Port-au-Prince, the Ouest department, and the Cite Soleil slum are where the vast majority of cases are concentrated.
UNICEF reported that around half of the cases were youngsters under the age of 14, according to UN Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.
He claimed that the gang-blocked primary fuel import facility in Haiti is causing fuel shortages that are hindering NGO activities and delaying the delivery of clean water, which is crucial for combatting cholera.
In the most devastated areas of the capital city of Haiti, Richardson claimed to have visited a number of cholera treatment facilities where she had witnessed horrific situations, including "children who were so thin, it was difficult to implant a drip into their arms or legs."
The government of Haiti has requested assistance from the international community to address its escalating health and security concerns.
In response to Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' appeal, the UN Security Council is thinking of dispatching an international force to restore order.
In 2010, a UN stabilization operation introduced cholera to the nation.
For an optimal experience, please
