Cholera education

As you probably know already, there has been a Cholera outbreak in the central region of Haiti. The majority of the cases are found between St. Marc and Gonaives and as of October 27, a total of 4,722 cholera cases and 303 deaths have been reported. Cholera is transmitted through fecal contamination of water or food and causes an acute, severe, watery diarrhea that can result in hypovolemic shock and death if not treated immediately with fluid replacement. The Haitian population is not aware of the dangers or effects of insanitary conditions, and the widespread poverty only aids in facilitating such circumstances. Lack of education along with unclean living conditions makes these people more susceptible to the infection.

However, Cholera is an easily prevented disease, and it starts with promoting water treatment, adequate sanitation and hygiene, and safe food preparation. That is the main goal right now, to educate people on how to prevent the spread of Cholera in Haiti, as well as care for the those who are already infected, through oral rehydration salts and IV fluids.

Bethesda, as well as many other healthcare facilities, have begun responding to the outbreak by having supplies on hand to treat those infected and by offering information about Cholera to the public. Bethesda has already implemented a plan to keeps its doors open 24 hours if need be to treat patients, and leaflets have been made in both Creole and English to hand out to schools, churches, leaders in the community, and missionaries. Dr. Rodney has made announcements on Radio4VEH which is an OMS ministry that reaches thousands of people across the country via radio.

Last Wednesday, Bethesda put on 2 education classes for students from the local schools in Vaudreuil. We met in the church on the OMS compound and in both sessions combined there were about 1500 kids ranging from ages 5 to 20. Each child got a little brochure of information, and one of Bethesda's Doctor's, Dr. Cader, explained to the children what Cholera is, how it is contracted, what the symptoms are, what to do if you think you are infected, and most importantly how to prevent themselves and others from getting Cholera. We demonstrated how to properly wash your hands and gave each student a bar of medicated soap to take home with their brochure to share with their families.The next day we went to Saccenville to speak at OMS's seminary. We educated the students and staff there and asked them to pass on the information to their churches, families, and friends. We held a similar teaching session after that in the local church for the people in the community. We believe that the key to controlling the further spread of this disease truly lies in teaching the importance of clean water, good sanitation and hygiene habits, and the awareness of how Cholera is contracted. We are praying that the information learned in these sessions, and the others like it being conducted throughout the country, will not stop there but have a widespread impact and aid in putting an end to this outbreak.