Haiti - Epidemic : UN needs $164 million for Haiti
The United Nations (UN) is appealing for emergency funds near its member countries, in order to fight against the cholera epidemic raging in Haiti. Elisabeth Byrs, spokeswoman of the Office of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in Geneva that if funds are not provided "all our efforts can be outrun by the epidemic".
Elisabeth Byrs said that this money will be used among other things: to increase the number of doctors, buy water purification equipment and medicines to treat up to 200,000 people could be affected by the disease and provide sanitation and waste management services in high risk areas.
Recalling that 50% of the 10 departments in Haiti are affected by the cholera epidemic, that 12.000 people were hospitalized and that there is nearly 800 victims.
