UN: Haiti cholera outbreak needs stronger response

The top United Nations humanitarian official has stressed the need for a much stronger international and national response to the cholera epidemic in Haiti during a visit to the Caribbean nation.

The UN World Health Organization (WHO) and its regional arm, the Pan-American Health Organization (PAHO), now estimate that based on the speed with which people are being infected.

This is considered a worst-case scenario, which is avoidable if the prevention and treatment responses reach people in the poor areas in the capital, Port-au-Prince, and other towns and outlying areas in the country.

?This projection is a wake-up call,? Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos said yesterday in the capital, Port-au-Prince.

?We need to invest in cholera prevention nationwide in Haiti, as well as building more treatment centres.

?This epidemic has not yet peaked. If we don?t respond strongly and quickly enough then more people will die needlessly.?

The number of reported cases is currently approaching 50,000.

The UN and its partners have appealed for $164 million for additional treatment centres.