Anarchy in Haiti... Cholera Spreads, Putting 1 Million Children at Risk

At Least 36 Deaths Since Two Confirmed Cases on the 2nd
Anti-Government Protests Continue Amid Fuel Shortage, Medical Facilities Also Not Operating Properly

Haitian medical staff cleaning the floor of a cholera treatment center. Photo by AP

[Asia Economy Reporter Bang Je-il] The Caribbean island nation of Haiti is experiencing severe social turmoil due to gang violence and fuel shortages, and is now facing a triple crisis with concerns over the spread of cholera. In particular, there are urgent calls for countermeasures as children, who are vulnerable to diseases, remain exposed to the risk of infection.

According to the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO), the regional office of the World Health Organization (WHO) for the Americas, at least 36 deaths have been reported since two confirmed cholera cases were identified in Port-au-Prince, Haiti's capital, on the 2nd of this month (local time).

Since the first outbreak in 2010, caused by peacekeepers dispatched from Nepal, more than 800,000 cases have been reported in Haiti, with approximately 10,000 deaths. After three years without cases, cholera re-emerged in 2019, resulting in fatalities. The number of confirmed cases continues to rise, with 55 patients currently receiving treatment in hospitals. Approximately 500 suspected cases have been recorded.

Fifty-six percent of the patients are under 19 years old. PAHO explained that the age group most affected by cholera is 1 to 4 years old, followed by 5 to 9 years old. Health authorities are on high alert for a large-scale cholera outbreak amid extreme social unrest.

The existing fuel shortage has been exacerbated by gangs seizing fuel terminals, accelerating the energy supply crisis and rendering medical facilities unable to operate properly. Gangs are also reportedly obstructing the movement of international medical personnel and humanitarian aid, worsening the crisis.

Amid ongoing protests against rising fuel prices in Haiti, a citizen is moving empty fuel containers to be filled. Photo by EPA Yonhap News

CNN Spanish edition cited health experts stating that more than one million children are currently exposed to the risk of cholera infection. PAHO reports that access to vulnerable elderly populations is difficult, and logistics and transportation are restricted, preventing local health authorities from effectively carrying out emergency response operations.

Currently, Haitian health authorities, with international support, are focusing on five key activities: ▲ patient epidemiological investigation ▲ outbreak case management ▲ provision of clean water and sanitation system inspection ▲ cooperation with local communities ▲ vaccination.

PAHO stated that to minimize casualties, cholera treatment centers (CTCs) have been opened in high-risk areas, and efforts are being made to supply medical materials.

Meanwhile, since the Haitian government announced a fuel price increase and halted fuel subsidies due to financial difficulties on the 11th of last month, anti-government protests have continued. According to AFP, after Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced in early September that due to financial hardship, fuel subsidies could no longer be provided and fuel prices would be raised, armed Haitian gangs and citizens have protested and looted. With anti-government protests ongoing for over a month, Haiti faces a state of anarchy as basic social systems such as internet, communications, transportation, and medical services have been paralyzed.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.