UN renews pledge to help Haiti overcome cholera epidemic | WPN World People News

The United Nations remains committed to do all that it can do to help the people of Haiti overcome the cholera epidemic, a spokesperson for the world body said.

A nurse prepares re-hydration fluid for patients at a Cholera treatment center in Lester, a town 2 hours north of Port au Prince, Haiti.

“The United Nations is working on the ground with the Government and people of Haiti both to provide immediate and practical assistance to those affected, and to put in place better infrastructure and services for all,” Farhan Haq told a news conference in New York.

His comments came in response to questions regarding a class action lawsuit filed in a United States Federal Court in New York in connection with the cholera outbreak in the aftermath of the devastating 2010 earthquake. The suit calls on the UN to compensate victims of the epidemic.

Over 650,000 infections and more than 8,000 deaths have been reported by the Government of Haiti since the disease, which is typically contracted through contaminated food or water, appeared in the country in October 2010.

“With regard to possible claims against the Organization, as has been stated with regard to other cases that are subject to litigation, it is not the United Nations’ practice to discuss in public claims filed against the Organization,” said Mr. Haq.

“As there are legal processes under way, we cannot make any further comment on this particular situation.”

In December 2012, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon launched an initiative for the elimination of cholera in Haiti and the Dominican Republic that focuses on prevention, treatment and education.

The initiative supports an existing campaign – known as the Initiative for the Elimination of Cholera in the Island of Hispaniola – established by the Presidents of the two countries.

The Organization has already taken a number of measures since the outbreak began, including establishing/upgrading cholera treatment facilities, constructing waste water treatment plants, purchasing oral cholera vaccines, and supporting community-based hygiene campaigns.

Source:UN News