UNICEF to receive US$2,615,112 from the Japanese people fight cholera in Haiti
Port-au-Prince, February 21, 2017
Port-au-Prince, February 21, 2017 –The Government of Japan has confirmed a donation of US$2,615,112 (equivalent to nearly 300 million Japanese yen) from the people of Japan. Japan and its citizens continue to be one of the largest contributors in the ongoing efforts to stop the cholera epidemic.
This donation is in direct support of the “Project for Reinforcement of Cholera Prevention and Response"the main objective of which is to help reduce cholera-related morbidity and mortality in the population of Haiti in 2017 and 2018. Interventions will be implemented across the country with an emphasis on the cholera-prone departments of Center, North, West, Grand'Anse, South, and Artibonite. UNICEF works closely with the national water authority (DINEPA), the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP) and NGO partners to ensure the prevention and control of cholera outbreaks.
These funds will help to strengthen national epidemiological coordination and surveillance; and support conducting timely surveys, rapid response teams and case management, as well as improving and increasing awareness of cholera-related hygiene.
The Ambassador of Japan to Haiti, Mr. Yoshiaki Hatta, explained that this cooperation had been decided upon after a resurgence in suspected cholera cases resulting from the deterioration of the sanitary and hygiene situation caused by rainy seasons or natural disasters. Japan considers that this issue should be addressed in collaboration with the Government of Haiti and the international community. Mr. Hatta expressed appreciation for UNICEF, and its extensive experience in this field, while calling on all stakeholders to strengthen their collaboration in the fight against cholera.
Marc Vincent, UNICEF Representative in Haiti, welcomed this generous contribution, stressing its significance in the fight against cholera. "With this gift from the Japanese people, we will strengthen the axes of the fight against cholera in the protection of the Haitian population, especially the children. Japan is a key partner and we thank the Japanese people for their continued support, "he said.
The cholera epidemic in Haiti continues to be the largest in the Western Hemisphere and, arguably, the largest in the world when considering the incidence of the disease. More than 10,000 suspected cases of cholera have been reported throughout Haiti in the period since hurricane Matthew struck on 3 October, to 24 December 2016.
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