Haiti, the poorest country in the Americas, has been plagued by cholera outbreaks since 2010. Cholera, a bacterial infection that causes severe diarrhea and vomiting, can lead to dehydration and death if not treated promptly.

The infection is spread through contaminated water and food, making it especially challenging to control in countries without reliable access to clean water and sanitation.

The Origin of the Outbreak

Cholera had not been reported in Haiti for more than 100 years before the outbreak in 2010. The source of the outbreak is believed to be a United Nations peacekeeping camp where soldiers from Nepal, a country where cholera is endemic, were stationed.

It is suspected that the camp’s sewage was dumped into the nearby Artibonite River, which is used by many Haitians for bathing, washing, and cooking.

The Devastating Impact

The cholera outbreak in Haiti has been one of the largest epidemics in modern history, with over 800,000 reported cases and more than 9,000 deaths.

The impact was particularly devastating because Haiti was still recovering from a massive earthquake that struck in January of 2010. The earthquake killed more than 200,000 people and left more than 1 million homeless, making it even more difficult for people to access clean water and sanitation facilities.

The Role of OHE

OHE, or the Office of Haitian Ecology, is a non-profit organization that is working to stop the spread of cholera in Haiti. The organization was founded in 1985 and focuses on promoting sustainable development and environmental conservation in Haiti.

OHE’s work on cholera prevention has included education and infrastructure projects aimed at improving people’s access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

The organization has also partnered with the Haitian government and other non-profits to distribute cholera prevention kits, which include soap, water treatment tablets, and oral rehydration salts.

Education Initiatives

OHE has implemented a number of education initiatives aimed at teaching Haitians about the causes of cholera and how to prevent its spread.

The organization has worked with local leaders to train community health workers who can educate others about the importance of handwashing, safe water storage, and proper sewage disposal. OHE has also created educational materials, including posters and brochures, that are used in schools and community centers.

Infrastructure Projects

OHE has been involved in a number of infrastructure projects that are designed to improve people’s access to clean water and sanitation facilities.

One of the organization’s major initiatives has been the creation of eco-sanitation toilets, which use a composting process to turn human waste into fertilizer. The toilets not only help to prevent the spread of cholera, but they also provide a sustainable source of fertilizer for farmers.

Cholera Prevention Kits

OHE has partnered with other organizations to distribute cholera prevention kits to Haitians in high-risk areas.

The kits include soap, water treatment tablets, and oral rehydration salts, which can help prevent the spread of cholera and treat the symptoms of the infection. The organization has also worked to educate Haitians about the importance of using the kits and how to properly use the materials included in them.

Challenges and Future Goals

OHE’s work on cholera prevention in Haiti has faced a number of challenges, including limited funding and the scale of the problem. Despite these challenges, OHE has made significant progress in reducing the spread of cholera in Haiti.

Looking to the future, OHE’s goals include expanding its reach and impact by partnering with other organizations and increasing awareness about the importance of clean water and sanitation.

The organization also hopes to continue to develop and refine its eco-sanitation technology, which has already proven to be an effective solution for preventing the spread of cholera and improving the lives of Haitians.

By working towards these goals, OHE is making a significant contribution to the fight against cholera in Haiti and improving the overall health and well-being of Haitians.