2010-12-14
AMDA Emergency Bulletin #3: Cholera Outbreak in Haiti

After leaving Port-Au-Prince on Dec. 7th, AMDA team is now working at a hospital run by the Salvation Army in Fonds des Negres, the location which health ministry of Haiti and WHO/ PAHO (The Pan American Health Organization) allocated for AMDA's activities.

The team has been working in the isolation ward for cholera patients and is also helping to improve its sanitary condition. On average there has been around five new cholera cases found everyday hence the allocation of extra isolation rooms being a pressing issue.

Besides working in the hospital, the team is engaged in mobile clinic in nearby towns and communities. On Dec. 9th, AMDA team visited Founo community and carried out community/hygiene education. According to the locals, many of the roads had been blocked due to the riots and making it difficult for people to reach hospitals; some may even lose their lives on the way. In addition, a high rate of HIV and TB makes the treatment more difficult for cholera patients.

Since Dec. 10th, the situation on the street has started recovering after the official announcement of the election's vote recount. The road blocks have been removed by UN forces and the traffic is gradually recovering. In cooperation with the Salvation Army, AMDA is planning to set up a special treatment center exclusively for cholera and is in touch with the local authorities to discuss its feasibility. At the same time, AMDA is also in contact with WHO/PAHO for any possible assistance such as donations of medical supplies and other relief goods.

As of Dec. 12th the number of patients at the Salvation Army hospital is 16. AMDA coordinator said, "Things are getting a little crowded in the small isolation rooms with patients arriving and leaving, plus their families and care givers. "

As the number of patients is on the rise, AMDA doctors are working around the clock to help those who are suffering on sickbed.

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