Haiti: devastated by earthquake and cholera outbreak
In January, a severe earthquake struck Haiti, inflicting large-scale damage. WHO and its partners in the humanitarian health cluster responded to immediate health priorities, which included:
- treating major trauma injuries
- preventing infection of wounds
- providing clean water and sanitation facilities
- encouraging continuation of breastfeeding.
Later in the year, a cholera outbreak compounded the health challenges in the country. As part of a coordinated health response with partners, WHO/PAHO helped to establish cholera treatment centres, trained health workers and distributed medical supplies.