Cholera cases raises in Haiti: UN agency

The number of reported cases of cholera in Haiti has risen to just over 72,000, including 1,648 deaths, the United Nations health agency said today, noting that fewer deaths are now being recorded than earlier in the epidemic, which erupted in late October.

Ms. Chaib said, there are now 40 cholera treatment centres in the country with a an average capacity of 100 to 200 beds each, adding that the 61 cholera treatments units ? small units established in hospitals and health centres ? had an average capacity of 20 beds each.

These include the removal of the bodies of the dead, the disposal of medical waste, the identification of sites on which to set up health centres, and a lack of trained personnel.

On funding, some $32.9 million of the $164 million humanitarian agencies are seeking for the cholera emergency has been received as of today, Ms. Byrs said.