As part of its efforts to improve hygiene and prevent the recent spread of the cholera epidemic in Haiti, the United Nations Fund for Population Activities (UNFPA) has distributed nearly 7,000 cholera hygiene kits, since November 1st, targeting pregnant women and people living with HIV/AIDS.

According to the latest report issued by the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP) of November 10, 2010, 12.303 people are infected by cholera and hospitalized and 796 died.

More than 3,500 pregnant women and 720 people living with HIV/AIDS based in Miragoâne, Les Cayes, St Marc and Gonaives received kits, which contain basic hygiene items and chlorine to prevent cholera, solar flashlights and bed sheets.

"We are now the emphasis in the department of Artibonite, especially the city of Gonaives, where floods caused by Hurricane Tomas promotes the spread of the cholera epidemic," said Igor Bosc, Representative of the UNFPA in Haiti. "We have strengthened our presence in the fourth largest city of Haiti, in collaboration with the Direction of Civil Protection (DPC) to better coordinate the humanitarian response."

Mr. Bosc added that UNFPA will also strengthen maternity of Jérémie, in the Grand Anse (Southwest) to protect pregnant women from cholera. UNFPA has already distributed hygiene materials and kits for reproductive health (SR) at the clinic. SR kits cover a wide range of supplies ranging from male and female condoms, emergency contraception, treatment for the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), surgical equipment and consumables for caesarean section (suture, material for blood transfusion etc...).

S/ HaïtiLibre