Haiti reports cholera deaths for first time in 3 years, prompting emergency response
PBS NewsHour
The Facts
The World Health Organization (WHO) and Haitian officials reported on Tuesday that the Haitian government is preparing to initiate a cholera vaccination program this week following the arrival of the initial shipment of vaccines.
The Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) provided Haiti with 1.17M doses of oral cholera vaccines due to the increasing number of cases in the country. Haiti's Ministry of Public Health and Population requested the Evichol vaccine from the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision (IGC), which is responsible for managing the global cholera vaccine stock.
The Spin
Establishment-critical narrative
This cholera outbreak is another consequence of the complex humanitarian crisis in Haiti since the killing of President Jovenal Moïse in 2021. Though the country has drifted into chaos, the international community remains silent and indifferent to Haiti's suffering. It's time for a robust international intervention to restore order and provide crucial aid.
Pro-establishment narrative
While the international community must assist Haiti in addressing the humanitarian crisis - including the latest cholera outbreak - global powers should resist temptations to intervene strongly in Haitian affairs. Yes, Port-au-Prince needs help, but it can only achieve long-term political stability if Haitians are allowed to create a political system on their terms.
