Haiti: Humanitarian situation and cholera – Flash Update # 1 (As of 3 October 2022)

HIGHLIGHTS

• After three years without a single cholera case, on 2 October 2022, the Ministry of Public Health and Population (MSPP) reported two confirmed cases in the communes of Cité Soleil and Port-au-Prince.

• This outbreak comes at a time when the most vulnerable are suffering from a critical lack of access to basic services, including health as well as drinking water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).

• The ongoing fuel crisis is severely disrupting the operations of health facilities in addition to those of Haiti’s Directorate of Drinking Water and Sanitation (DINEPA) as well as the health response to the cholera outbreak.

• Health actors and humanitarian partners are supporting the MSPP with the ongoing emergency health response.

KEY FIGURES 2 Confirmed cholera cases (MSPP)

20+ Suspected cholera cases (MSPP)

7 Suspected cholera deaths (MSPP)

50K Gallons of fuel needed by DINEPA per month

23 Day-long blockade of the Varreux oil terminal

SITUATION OVERVIEW

Since 12 September, enduring social protests have engulfed Haiti. Despite some days of calm, the country’s main cities continue to experience regular protests, including strikes, roadblocks and, at times, violent demonstrations that have led to the looting of banks, supermarkets and public buildings. Shooting has also been reported at roadblocks and in gang-controlled neighborhoods.

Access to the Varreux terminal, the main point of entry for fuel into the country, is still blocked despite attempts by the Haitian National Police (HNP) to secure access.

In this context, fuel is becoming increasingly scarce across the country, including on the black market, where prices are skyrocketing (up to 5,000 gourdes, or US$40 dollars, for a gallon of gas) well above the new prices set by the Government (570 HTG per gallon of gas, 670 HTG per gallon of diesel).

Consequently, the country’s economy is grinding to a halt and many businesses have been forced to stop operations. The operation of and access to essential services, including WASH, health and education, have been disrupted throughout the country, disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable populations.

On 2 October 2022, the MSPP confirmed two cases of cholera, highlighting the severity of the unfolding situation. On the heels of the MSPP’s announcement, the United Nations has committed to assist the MSPP in the coordination and implementation of response efforts, and to provide support to all humanitarian partners.