Another group that is helping with international health is that of the International Rescue Committee. One topic that I’m sure has been circulating is that of the Cholera epidemic that is happening in Haiti. The IRC has been helping a lot over there, here is a video that just describes a little about the problems they are having there and how the IRC have been helping with them.
The IRC launched programs in Haiti in the immediate aftermath of the January 12 earthquake. Their teams of experts are focusing on:
- reunifying separate families
- providing learning and recreational programs for children
- restoring livelihoods
- delivering mobile medical services
- building latrines, washing stations and shower facilities
- clearing waste
- promoting health and hygiene
- protecting women
- responding to the needs of rape survivors
- ensuring women have access to critical supplies
The death toll now has reached over 1,000 with over 18,000 people still being treated and they say that the cholera epidemic still hasn’t reached its peak. They think it will take years to get it under control. Cholera is a water-borne disease that is passed through fecal matter. When the bacteria are ingested, it can quickly cause acute diarrhea, vomiting and dehydration. Cholera is easily treatable through rapid rehydration—the second line of defense in the IRC’s battle against the disease. The IRC is trying to purify their water and stop the spread of disease first that way, but they have also made rehydration kiosks to help those that have been diagnosed. The only problem they have now is the stigma and belief that they can be healed by their traditional medicine and in the end becoming fatal because of this stigma.
Refugee and Immigrant Health 
It goes to show that after a disaster there is a long period before things can get back to normal. We all help when it first hits, but the problems go on.
By: axctaylor on November 21, 2010
at 4:49 pm
I’m from S. Florida where there is a large Haitian population. I love the Haitian people that I know back home and it saddens me to think about how hard it is for the family members that my friends have in Haiti who have endured so much hardship over the past year. Life is not easy in that country. I really hope that this Cholera crisis can be contained and that the people can start rebuilding their lives.
By: trmptmvn on November 22, 2010
at 4:21 am
This is so tragic. It’s hard to believe that a disease that we learned how to prevent almost 200 years ago is still affecting people now. I also heard that this strain of Cholera was caused by Nepalese rescue workers — know anything about that?
By: healthylifestyletoday on November 22, 2010
at 8:41 pm
It’s such a shame that stigma keeps people from getting the right kind of help. And that a sanitary water source is all these people need to not get the disease. This is common in many countries.
By: kargibs on November 24, 2010
at 1:55 am
It’s sad that it takes a long time to get all the things done. For years, people will suffer from diseases and other factors. I hope there is a way that can reconstruct faster so that Haiti can be recovered as fast as possible.
By: juminchae1 on November 24, 2010
at 5:57 am
It must be so hard on the people in Haiti to be first faced with this terrible earthquake and then by this cholera epidemic brought on by UN septic tank overflow. This is the aim of so many global organizations, to bring clean water to people that need it. I hope we can find a way to help more Haitians now.
By: cnewman0524 on November 28, 2010
at 6:20 pm
I hope that the cholera situation gets under control soon, those poor people have had soo much to deal with in the last year.
By: eric on November 30, 2010
at 2:27 am
IT is great to see organizations trying to help Haiti. My roommate went to Haiti this summer with a group and noted that they are still struggling even months after the problem.
By: kyliedurham on November 30, 2010
at 7:33 pm
Very sad that the cholera which was predicted since the distraction has finally hit and has claim more lives as a result of it.
By: rosec2 on December 1, 2010
at 6:00 am
its so sad to read about this. i hope there will be a solution for that soon.
By: linaqutob on December 1, 2010
at 4:06 pm
It amazes me that cholera is still a problem in these countries. I wish we could all just get out there, do a massive public health mission and get these people clean water.
By: ellesloan on December 1, 2010
at 9:22 pm
You’d think that cholera wouldn’t be a problem in 2010, but it is. I new it still existed, but I was surprised to find out about the outbreak in Haiti. It’s amazing how something as simple as clean water could save these people from it.
By: meganh5 on December 4, 2010
at 2:11 am
This is so sad..we need to find a way to help them get clean water!
By: kirataylor on December 4, 2010
at 3:52 pm
everyone should have something so basic and fundamental to health as clean water!
By: cpace2 on December 6, 2010
at 8:35 pm