UN and Haiti "heavily engaged" in eradicating cholera


The UN and the Government of Haiti have been "heavily engaged" in cholera eradication since the 2010 outbreak, the international organization said on Thursday.

Cholera deaths, which over the past six years totalled about 9,000, have dramatically decreased to 168 fatalities in 2016.

The focus has been on emergency response to save lives, vaccinating the population and implementing preventative measures.

"In partnership with the Haitian government, the UN has been heavily engaged in the cholera eradication since the 2010 outbreak.  But over the past year, the UN has become convinced that it needs to do much more regarding its own involvement in the initial outbreak and the suffering of those affected by cholera. A series of options has been under consideration. The draft report and its recommendations that we have received from a human rights rapporteur will be a valuable contribution as we work towards a significantly new set of UN actions."

The new response will be presented to the public within two months once it has been fully elaborated and agreed with the Haitian authorities and discussed with Member States, Mr Haq said.

SOURCE: UN Radio