As cholera outbreak spreads, World Vision deploys teams to distribute
emergency health supplies, focus on preventative measures

    
    -  Malnourished children, people with HIV and AIDS and the elderly are
       the most vulnerable, aid agency says

    -  World Vision health workers are reminding families that hand washing
       can save lives, prevent spread of cholera
    

PORT-AU-PRINCE, Oct. 24 /CNW/ - As the cholera outbreak continues to spread in the Artibonite region of Haiti, World Vision is increasing its response in affected areas, pre-positioning much-needed health supplies and preparing residents in its displacement camps in Port-au-Prince with critical, life-saving health and hygiene messages.

On Wednesday, the international relief organization deployed a team of 12 nurses, a doctor, and about 50 community health workers to Mirebalais, a community approximately 50 miles southeast of St. Marc, where the group developed and carried out a rapid awareness campaign at seven schools, reaching an estimated 3,000 students. They discussed how the illness is caught and what to do to avoid it.

A team has also been sent to Mirebalais to supplement World Vision's relief efforts. The team is assessing water sources, sanitation facilities and latrines, while simultaneously providing messaging about prevention and distribution of oral rehydration solution, soap, and aquatabs. World Vision's health manager in Port-au-Prince, Dr. Reginald Lubin, noted that cholera is caused by a bacterial infection which can cause people to lose more than 30 liters of fluid in a single day.

World Vision is conducting a mass distribution of soap in Port-au-Prince, as well as cleaning and desludging all of the latrines in camps where the organization is present. Staff are also continuing to check the chlorination levels on all water that they supply. Additional hand washing stations are being installed in camps, and World Vision is educating residents on the importance of hand washing and hygiene.

World Vision has identified sites within its camps to serve as quarantine areas in Port-au-Prince should the outbreak reach the city. Staff are being trained to identify the symptoms of cholera and are positioning trucks that will be able to take suspected cases to the hospital for treatment. World Vision is also working to make sure its staff are protected by providing them with face masks and gloves.

QUOTES

"While we can't be sure the direction this will take, we're preparing for challenging weeks ahead. Right now, the priority is to continue doing everything we can to stop the spread of this fast-moving disease. Malnourished children, people living with HIV and AIDS and the elderly are the most vulnerable right now. We are doing everything we can to let people know that simple measures like hand washing can save lives. We are coordinating with the Ministry of Health, the World Health Organization, and other agencies to respond effectively and efficiently. Quick identification and treatment is vital to containing the outbreak." - Sabrina Pourmand Nolen, World Vision's program director in Port-au-Prince

"If this hits our camps we are going to need a lot of support. It could spread very rapidly and so we must be ready to react immediately. This is why we are stepping up prevention efforts, pre-positioning supplies and establishing contingency plans." - Dr. Reginald Lubin, World Vision's health manager in Port-au-Prince

World Vision is a leading Christian relief, development and advocacy organization dedicated to working with children, families and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by our Christian values, we are dedicated to working with the world's most vulnerable people. We serve all people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender.

For further information: Britt Hamilton, 905-565-6200 ext. 3973, cell: 416-419-1321, [email protected]; Amy Fuller, 905-565-6200 ext. 2151, cell: 416-671-0086, [email protected]