Cholera in the Time of MINUSTAH: Experiences of Community Members Affected by Cholera in Haiti

Abstract

In 2010, Haiti experienced one of the deadliest cholera outbreaks of the 21st century. United Nations (UN) peacekeepers are widely believed to have introduced cholera, and the UN has formally apologized to Haitians and accepted responsibility. The current analysis examines how Haitian community members experienced the epidemic and documents their attitudes around accountability. Using SenseMaker, Haitian research assistants collected micronarratives surrounding 10 UN bases in Haiti. Seventy-seven cholera-focused micronarratives were selected for a qualitative thematic analysis. The five following major themes were identified: (1) Cholera cases and deaths; (2) Accessing care and services; (3) Protests and riots against the UN; (4) Compensation; and (5) Anti-colonialism. Findings highlight fear, frustration, anger, and the devastating impact that cholera had on families and communities, which was sometimes compounded by an inability to access life-saving medical care. Most participants believed that the UN should compensate cholera victims through direct financial assistance but there was significant misinformation about the UN’s response. In conclusion, Haiti’s cholera victims and their families deserve transparent communication and appropriate remedies from the UN. To rebuild trust in the UN and foreign aid, adequate remedies must be provided in consultation with victims.

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“…Evolutionary history and transmission dynamics of the seventh known cholera pandemic in progress since the 1960s [36][37][38] Identification of a point source introduction of V. cholerae from Nepal into Haiti followed by clonal expansion attributed to the UN peacekeeping base. Formal apology by UN, multimillion dollar assistance package to Haiti for improved access to healthcare, and addressing sanitation and water issues [39] Listeria monocytogenes Investigation of a prolonged multi-country outbreak of L. monocytogenes associated with contaminated frozen vegetables [40] Identification of an outbreak of listeriosis (2015-2018), including 47 cases and 9 deaths across 5 countries (Denmark, Austria, Finland, Sweden and the UK). Epidemiological association with frozen corn implicated a freezing plant in Hungary as the source.…”

“…Identification of a point source introduction of V. cholerae from Nepal into Haiti followed by clonal expansion attributed to the UN peacekeeping base. Formal apology by UN, multimillion dollar assistance package to Haiti for improved access to healthcare, and addressing sanitation and water issues [ 39 ]…”