Haiti Cholera Tragedy: A Lesson in Disaster Response

The Nepalese contingent deployed to assist with the aftermath of the 2010 Haiti earthquake brought with them the cholera bacterium, causing a massive outbreak in the country. The suspected source of the outbreak was a U.N. base where raw sewage drained into the adjacent river, contaminating the water and flowing into busy towns, causing the outbreak. This resulted in an outbreak that was the worst on record, killing 10,000 and infecting 820,000. The already fragile economy was further impacted as many were unable to work due to illness or caring for sick family members. The outbreak also caused widespread water pollution and highlighted the need for proper screening and training of peacekeepers and adequate water and sanitation facilities in disaster-stricken areas. The reintroduction of cholera serves as a reminder of the consequences of neglecting public health in such scenarios and the importance of preventing the spread of disease.