Cholera in Haiti: A public health challenge in the Dominican Republic and Americas Region

Abstract

[EXTRACT] Vibrio cholerae is a bacterium that can causes watery diarrhea, and if untreated, severe dehydration can lead to death. The World Health Organization (WHO) describes the global chol- era burden with 1.3−4 million cases and 21 000−143 000 deaths, noting that underreporting remains a significant challenge. A comprehensive approach to cholera elimination – Ending Chol- era – A Global Roadmap to 2030 (reduce cholera deaths by 90% and eliminate cholera in 20 countries by 2030) – integrates sur- veillance activities, water and sanitation interventions, social mobilization efforts, and pharmacological (including preven- tive vaccine) management With four concurrent challenges in Haiti – cholera outbreak, fuel shortages, gang violence, and political instability – an urgent call to action will be essential to curb cholera transmis- sion on Hispaniola. Binational and regional cooperation will be imperative to strengthen cholera prevention and control efforts. Moving forward, the Ending Cholera: Global Roadmap to 2030 coupled with the One Health Joint Plan of Action (2022- 2026) offer a holistic approach toward cholera elimination and improved water and sanitation practices, as part of Sustainable Development Goals 3 and 6.