Major Cholera Drop in SBH Area

Update: There has been a 90 percent decrease seen in cholera cases in SBH’s catchment area from October-December 2012 as compared to January-March 2013 due to a variety of prevention programs implemented by the organization.

The ongoing Haiti cholera outbreak is the worst epidemic of cholera in recent history, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Nevertheless, SBH has combatted the deadly waterborne disease by providing latrines and wells for potable water, distributing soap and aquatabs, and performing sessions on hygiene education. Community health nurses and volunteers continue to do home visits and perform educational sessions about the importance of hand washing and sanitation.

“It’s encouraging that our programs and initiatives continue to show such marked success,” says Rachel Bedenbaugh, Monitoring & Evaluation Officer for HEI/SBH. “With continued focus on education and outreach we hope to minimize the occurrence of this disease.”