According to the latest figures from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs of the UN (OCHA), the cholera epidemic in Haiti has generated 712.330 suspected or proven since its inception in October 2010, and an estimated 8,655 deaths (figures from the Ministry of Public Health and population (MSPP)) from October 2010 to 31 October 2014. From January 1 to October 31, 2014, 14.869 cases suspected or proven and 132 deaths have been recorded by the MSPP.

While an increase in suspected cholera cases is expected since the beginning of the rainy season in April 2014, only 358 suspected cholera cases and one death were reported for the West Department in September 2014 (compared to 1,574 suspected cholera cases and 8 deaths in September 2013).

However, a very significant increase in cholera incidence has been observed in the metropolitan areas of Port-au-Prince and its surroundings since late September, in a context of heavy and delayed rainfall,

Cependant, une augmentation très significative de l'incidence du choléra a été observée dans les régions métropolitaines de Port-au-Prince et ses environs depuis la fin de septembre, dans un contexte de pluies fortes et retardées, we can observe a peak of 4,577 suspected or proven just for the month of October 2014.

For its part Doctors without Borders (MSF) says "more than 2,000 people with symptoms of cholera needed to be hospitalized in emergency since mid-October in Port-au-Prince. A majority of the Haitian population is exposed to cholera due to lack of access to clean water and latrines, the capacity of care for patients is still inadequate."

"Patients come to us in a critical condition because there is no emergency care system despite the National Cholera Elimination Plan," deplored Oliver Schulz, head of mission for MSF in Haiti.

The response to this outbreak has centred on investigation, active research of cholera patients, decontamination, protection of water sources and community outreach from multi-disciplinary mobile teams (EMIRA, NGOs, UN).

OCHA stresses that a "further support is needed to sustain efforts and meet urgent needs. A premature disengagement could compromise gains attained so far and lead to a resurgence in suspected cholera cases." At the level of humanitarian funding, $40 million was requested for 2014 and only US$ 20.7 million were funded to 4 November 2014, or 51.8%.

MSF estimates that 4 years after the outbreak of cholera, the Haitian health system still faces shortages in terms of funding, human resources and medicines.

HL/ HaitiLibre