HIGHLIGHTS
- On 16 January 2011, according to the MSPP, there were194,095 cumulative cholera cases and 3,819 deaths.
- PAHO/WHO and local officials are investigating three cases of paralysis in recovering cholera patients.
- PAHO/WHO issued a position paper on the promotion and utilization of the home made ORS solution.
CONTEXT OVERVIEW
- Security remains a concern particularly in the remote areas. In Lamarque, a remote village only accessible by helicopter in the West Department, threatening behavior of some members of the local community meant that a medical team had to evacuate the area. Field teams are encouraged to
seek the support both of the health authorities and the political authorities/community leaders in the execution of their activities.
- Camp eviction is also a concern. Some land owners are claiming the use of their land and are requesting the exit of internally displaced people (IDPs). Some of the evacuations are done with monetary incentives whereas others are enforced. Meanwhile, without adequate resources, it is unclear how the health partners currently servicing the camps will continue to operate.
- Following the departure of some health partners, the MSPP is calling for the development of an exit strategy and protocol. A list of the main exiting partners is being drawn up.
- MSF-CH has closed one CTU and one CTC in Cap Haitien and reduced their presence in Limbe. The reasons for this withdrawal are the absence of emergency funds (end of March 2011) and the reduction in the number of cholera cases admitted to the CTCs.
- Outbreaks in various places are forecasted. Health partners should therefore maintain a level of readiness and vigilance so that they can respond immediately if necessary.