The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has raised alarms over a sharp increase in cholera cases in Haiti, particularly in the Port-au-Prince metropolitan area. Pétion-Ville, a key economic and educational center, has become a major hotspot for the disease. Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, revealed that between September 21 and 25, 40 suspected cases and three deaths were reported in Pétion-Ville alone. This surge coincides with the imminent start of the new school year, heightening concerns about further transmission. In total, 66 suspected cases have been recorded in the capital and surrounding communes in recent days, marking a significant escalation compared to previous weeks. Young adults, who are highly mobile due to work and daily activities, constitute the majority of cases, raising fears of the disease spreading to other areas such as Delmas, Tabarre, and Carrefour. Nationwide, over 3,100 suspected cholera cases have been reported this year. In response, local health teams are conducting investigations, collecting samples, distributing water purification tablets, and launching awareness campaigns in affected neighborhoods like Brisetoux and Bobin. OCHA, in collaboration with Haitian authorities and partners, is intensifying efforts to monitor cases and mobilize health workers to curb the outbreak’s spread.
