Cholera epidemic in Haiti: SDC sends more experts

The Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC) of the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) is making a further contribution to the fight against the cholera epidemic in Haiti. Today, a doctor and a nurse have been sent to strengthen the medical team of the Albert Schweizer Hospital in treating cholera patients. The hospital is located in the Department of Artebonite, the part of the country worst affected by the outbreak of the disease. 

Since the end of October, experts of the Swiss Humanitarian Aid Unit (SHA) have been supporting the Haitian state water authorities (DINEPA) by carrying out controls on drinking water supplies in rural areas for contamination through faecal bacteria and by taking the necessary countermeasures where necessary. The two experts are focusing their work on fighting the causes of the outbreak: dirty water is the main cause of cholera infection.    

In addition, the SDC is participating in a Caritas project with a contribution of CHF 100,000. The project comprises two parts: the distribution of hygiene sets and a parallel information campaign on cholera prevention.   

The SDC is currently examining other requests for personnel from relief organisations to support the fight against the cholera epidemic. To improve coordination, it will organise a round table discussion this week on this subject for Swiss relief organisations working in Haiti.

Further information:

Earthquake in Haiti

Address for enquiries:

Information FDFA
Bundeshaus West
CH-3003 Bern
Tel.: (+41) 031 322 31 53
Fax: (+41) 031 324 90 47
E-Mail: info@eda.admin.ch

Publisher:

Federal Department of Foreign Affairs