The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has issued a stark warning regarding the resurgence of cholera in Haiti’s Quest Department, exacerbated by the ongoing gang violence plaguing the Caribbean nation. Over the past month, health authorities have reported new cases in Pétion-Ville, marking a concerning end to an 11-week period without any reported infections. Between October 5 and 11 alone, 139 suspected cases were recorded, including over 20 laboratory-confirmed instances, with five fatalities reported. Pétion-Ville and parts of Port-au-Prince, including Cité-Soleil, remain on high alert due to fears of cholera spreading among internally displaced populations. In response, Haiti’s Ministry of Health, supported by the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and humanitarian partners, has intensified disinfection campaigns, community awareness initiatives, and the distribution of chlorine, safe water, and hygiene kits in the most affected areas. OCHA also highlighted the broader impact of conflicts in countries like Sudan, Kyrgyzstan, and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which are severely straining their respective health sectors.
