NY times:

To the Editor:

“Global Failures on a Haitian Epidemic” (front page, April 1) draws long-overdue attention to the health crisis in Haiti.

Eradicating cholera is a goal that requires a billion-dollar investment in water and sanitation. Until such an infrastructure can be built and managed, we must partner with Haitians to provide medicines and supplies needed to treat and prevent this devastating disease. Fighting cholera has been the top priority of AmeriCares in Haiti from the onset of the outbreak.

While some aid organizations were slow to respond or have scaled back their cholera programs, others — including AmeriCares — reacted quickly and have expanded efforts. We had cholera medicines and hygiene supplies in stock when the first case was confirmed, and within 24 hours an emergency shipment was en route to the hospital in St. Marc.

Cholera control may still be several years away in Haiti. In the meantime, we can reduce the suffering.

CURT WELLING
President and Chief Executive
AmeriCares
Stamford, Conn., April 2, 2012