American Red Cross Commits Additional $2 Million to Combat Cholera in Haiti
NOVEMBER 29, 2010 – The American Red Cross announced today it is committing an additional $2 million to combat an escalating cholera epidemic in Haiti that has killed more than 1,700 people and sickened more than 75,000.
The funds will be used to purchase much-needed supplies, including 40 million chlorine tabs, 3 million pieces of soap, and 140,000 oral rehydration solution sachets, as well as tens of thousands of buckets, jerry cans and water purification sachets. These items will be distributed in coming weeks.
The new contribution increases the total American Red Cross support for the cholera response to date to more than $3.3 million. The American Red Cross contribution is part of a broad response to the cholera outbreak by the global Red Cross network, which includes hygiene promotion, water and sanitation services and provision of medical supplies.
“This multi-faceted response is urgently needed to save lives,” said David Meltzer, senior vice president of International Services at the American Red Cross. “The Red Cross is engaged on multiple levels – from leading cholera prevention activities in camps such as hygiene promotion to educate thousands of Haitian earthquake survivors, to funding treatment facilities and bringing desperately needed supplies into Haiti. And we are prepared to do much more in the days and weeks to come.”
Since the cholera outbreak began last month, the American Red Cross has provided 5,000 cots for use in health centers operated by Partners in Health, Project Medishare and the Haitian Ministry of Health. At the request of the Haitian Ministry of Health, the American Red Cross has also purchased 250,000 sachets of oral rehydration solution, an essential supplement to combat the rapid dehydration from cholera which can lead to a patient’s death.
As the number of cholera cases grows, the Red Cross is trying to prevent the crisis from crossing borders.
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Posted by amrecro 
