The U.S. Government’s humanitarian response to the earthquake and cholera outbreak in Haiti began in January 2010, following a magnitude 7.0 earthquake that struck the southern part of the country. The disaster resulted in an estimated 316,000 deaths and affected approximately 3 million people. In response, the U.S. Government provided more than $1.1 billion to meet humanitarian needs in Haiti in Fiscal Year (FY) 2010, including over $716 million from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID).
The humanitarian context in Haiti is complex, with ongoing efforts to address the immediate needs of earthquake-affected populations. USAID continues to work closely with other U.S. Government agencies, the Government of Haiti, international organizations, the United Nations, and non-governmental organizations to coordinate ongoing efforts and facilitate the transition from emergency relief activities to recovery operations.
The cholera outbreak in Haiti, which began in October 2010, has resulted in a significant increase in cases and deaths. As of May 10, 2011, there were 302,401 reported cholera cases, with 162,651 hospitalized cases and 5,234 deaths. The Case Fatality Rate (CFR) was 1.7 percent. USAID/OFDA’s emergency cholera response plan focused on preventing cholera cases, reducing the number of cases requiring hospitalization, and reducing the CFR.
USAID/OFDA has provided significant funding for cholera response projects in Haiti, including the establishment and operation of more than 30 Cholera Treatment Facilities (CTFs) and nearly 130 Oral Rehydration Points (ORPs). The agency has also provided funding for the provision of chlorine to increase availability of safe drinking water, expansion of national hygiene education outreach, provision of sachets of oral rehydration salts and medical supplies, and an increase in the number of CTFs, particularly in underserved and rural areas.
In addition to cholera response efforts, USAID/OFDA is also working to address the shelter and settlements needs of earthquake-affected populations. The agency has provided funding for the construction of transitional shelters, including the first two-story transitional shelter in Haiti, which was developed in response to land shortage, land tenure, and disaster risk reduction concerns. The shelter features seismic-resistant construction and free up land that can be used to widen pathways and create multiple earthquake evacuation routes.
USAID/OFDA is working closely with other U.S. Government agencies, the Government of Haiti, international organizations, the United Nations, and non-governmental organizations to coordinate efforts and facilitate a smooth transition from emergency relief activities to development programming. The agency’s program office staff remain in Haiti to monitor the evolving humanitarian situation, enhance coordination, and monitor ongoing USAID/OFDA-funded response activities for both cholera and the earthquake.
As of May 31, 2011, USAID/OFDA had provided nearly $40 million for cholera response projects in Haiti, including the establishment and operation of more than 30 CTFs and nearly 130 ORPs. The agency had also provided funding for the provision of chlorine, expansion of national hygiene education outreach, provision of sachets of oral rehydration salts and medical supplies, and an increase in the number of CTFs, particularly in underserved and rural areas.
The U.S. Government’s humanitarian response to the earthquake and cholera outbreak in Haiti has been significant, with over $1.1 billion provided in FY 2010 and nearly $35.5 million provided in FY 2011. The response has focused on addressing the immediate needs of earthquake-affected populations, preventing cholera cases, reducing the number of cases requiring hospitalization, and reducing the CFR. USAID/OFDA continues to work closely with other U.S. Government agencies, the Government of Haiti, international organizations, the United Nations, and non-governmental organizations to coordinate efforts and facilitate a smooth transition from emergency relief activities to development programming.