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.