With much of the island nation still lacking safe water and sanitation systems, an outbreak of cholera continues to grip Haiti, affecting more than 439,600 people since it was first detected almost a year ago. Since the early days of the crisis, the United States has supported the Haitian government in its work to prevent and treat the disease, and our assistance remains unfailing.
To date, the U.S. government has spent more than $75 million on improved water, sanitation and hygiene facilities. American aid teams have established and operated treatment centers and trained Haitian health care workers in preventing, diagnosing and treating cholera. We have also provided treatment and prevention materials. The medical and public health response has been effective in limiting deaths associated with the disease, with the rolling 14-day case fatality rate holding steady at below one percent of the cases reported.
The U.S. has also been vigilant in monitoring the outbreak and maintaining a pipeline of supplies to ensure that our support of the Haitian government remains consistent through surges of the disease, such as one anticipated in the rainy season.
While some humanitarian groups are gradually reducing their operations in Haiti, the United States remains focused on giving the Haitian government the aid and tools needed to prevent and treat this potentially deadly disease.
Helping Haiti Combat Cholera
With much of the island nation still lacking safe water and sanitation systems, an outbreak of cholera continues to grip Haiti, affecting more than 439,600 people since it was first detected almost a year ago.
