Haiti cholera death toll rises above 900

HAITI’S cholera toll has risen above 900, including dozens of deaths in the teeming capital, as the epidemic showed no sign of abating two weeks ahead of presidential elections.

Health Ministry officials reported more than 120 new deaths since the previous toll, as authorities and international aid agencies struggled to contain the latest crisis afflicting the poor Caribbean nation.

Nearly one month after cholera took hold, the confirmed fatalities rose to 917, up from Friday’s 796.

Of Haiti’s 10 provinces, six now have been hit by the epidemic according to the health ministry, which said 14,642 people so far had been treated in hospital, about 2,300 more than on Friday.

At least 27 of the deaths were recorded in the teeming capital Port-au-Prince, including its largest slum Cite Soleil and its suburbs.

The UN is asking for $164 million (€125m) to fight the epidemic, which has gained strength over the past week and spread to Port-au-Prince, and has warned that aid efforts could be “overrun by the epidemic” without urgent global financial assistance.

The bulk of the requested money – around $89m – will be used for water, sanitation and hygiene.