There is a new report coming from Pestel indicating another possible "wave" of cholera is starting up. This would be the 5th such surge of cholera since it was introduced in late 2010.
Thriving Villages blog
http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/
Cholera is an "ancient" disease, meaning that it goes far back to antiquity. When you hear of widespread or epidemic cholera consider it a clear sign that significant disruption of infrastructure (as happened recently in Zimbabwe where the economic collapse resulted in the failure of sewage treatment systems) or lack of basic infrastructure (no sanitation & hygiene which allows for mixing of two things that should never mix: drinking water and...well, human wastes).
Cholera is also very treatable. IV fluids, clean water. Not brain science or rocket science or even a marvel of science. Just basic stuff.
We don't have cholera outbreaks in the US, and people who get cholera in the US usually get it when traveling to a place like Haiti or eating contaminated foods. But they don't die from it because they can get basic medical care, access clean water to keep hydrated. The reason people die is from rapid dehydration.
In Haiti, however, the fatality rate is high. Something like 1-2 out of every 100 people who have symptoms of cholera die in Haiti. If you get cholera and you live in the mountain villages of Pestel, your chances of receiving any care are very low simply because of lack of resources in the area.
However, for Pestel that just might be changing! Through early reporting of about 10 cases in a village around the River Glaz, a group is mobilizing by providing oral rehydration packets, "Waterbricks", soap, and other basic and necessary items.
http://haiti.mphise.net/
I had opportunity to speak with several in this group yesterday. They are very eager to use the GPS coordinates we've collected on the villages throughout Pestel, and I provided that list. They are going to use the GPS devices that we brought down to map out possible sources of the recent cholera wave. By working with Dr. Seneque (the regional health director with whom I work) they will be monitoring and responding to the situation. They recognize the challenges in Pestel, including the difficulties with transportation, and they've stated good interest in helping to respond as well as improve the infrastructure. They are in close contact with a couple of other organizations who are active in Pestel: YoutHaiti and World Harvest Mission. We are also considering training some of the APPAS workers (thanks again to Variety International for their ongoing generous funding!!!) in health education and oral rehydration therapy since APPAS workers know their areas well (they travel the sections regularly as part of the child health campaigns).
Water Missions International will be going out to Pestel very soon for a site visit, and we are expecting that if well-drilling can go forward it may begin fairly soon. The need for fresh, clean, safe water in Pestel has been made all that much more urgent since cholera first appeared. Water Missions International will not only be helping with the construction of the wells, but perhaps as important if not more so, they will be working with the communities on how to keep their water safe, good hygienic practices, community ownership of their water sources, and learning about the Living Water that sustains us for eternity.
It's incredibly saddening to hear that cholera is potentially re-appearing in Pestel (though it may never have left, frankly). Storms and hurricanes tend to create a surge because the bacteria can be swept along the ground downhill easily.
It is incredibly heartening, however, that so many capable individuals are joining in the effort, recognizing that tackling cholera at its roots is going to mean big efforts in water, hygiene and sanitation.
As you pray for the people of Pestel, and for those who are laboring on their behalf (like Dr. Seneque, Sisters Fidelis & Jo), please consider including the groups mentioned above. God has brought forward some incredible things for the people of Pestel and we look with anticipation to the day when these areas of poverty and deprivation have been turned into thriving villages!!
Ben
-- President, Thriving Villages International
Thriving Villages website
http://thrivingvillages.blogspot.com/
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