Haiti - Cholera Epidemic : Italy gives $500,000 to fight against cholera
Franco Frattini, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that the Italian Cooperation will donate $500,000 to the World Health Organization (WHO) to help finance the Haitian National Plan response to the cholera epidemic, of the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP).
This grant will support the construction of the Cholera Treatment Centres (CTC), for medical treatment and distribution of medicines to people infected by the disease. In addition, this grant will support activities to control water quality, the promotion of awareness programs and information on preventive measures of hygiene and at the strengthening surveillance systems to contain the spread of epidemic.
This is the second time that Italy is helping Haiti. Last month, Italy was awarded a grant of 130,000 dollars to the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent to provide health care and ensure drinking water to the population.
Last cholera assessment: Since the beginning of the epidemic of cholera in the country (October 19, 2010), 121.518 people were infected and treated, 63.711 people were hospitalized and 2.591 people died. According to the most recent assessment of MSPP, dated of December 17, 2010. Note that these figures are grossly underestimated by the government, according to health experts from the UN, who believe that these figures could be double those released.
