How the UN Might Have Inadvertently Started a Cholera Epidemic In Haiti 158
Hugh Pickens DOT Com writes "Celso Perez and Muneer Ahmad write in The Atlantic that despite evidence to the contrary, for nearly three years, the United Nations has categorically denied that it introduced cholera into Haiti after the country suffered a devastating earthquake in 2010. Since then, cholera has killed more than 8,000 people and infected more than 600,000, creating an ongoing epidemic. According to extensive documentation by scientists and journalists, peacekeeping troops belonging to the UN Stabilization Mission in Haiti (MINUSTAH) inadvertently but negligently brought cholera into the country several months after the January 2010 earthquake. That October, troops from Nepal carrying the disease were stationed at a military base near the town of Méyè. Because of inadequate water and sanitation facilities at the base, cholera-infected sewage contaminated the Artibonite River, the largest river in Haiti and one the country's main water sources. As locals consumed the contaminated water, cholera spread across the country. Absent from Haiti for over a century, cholera is now projected to plague the country for at least another decade. 'By refusing to acknowledge responsibility, the United Nations jeopardizes its standing and moral authority in Haiti and in other countries where its personnel are deployed,' writes the Washington Post Editorial Board adding that without 'speaking frankly about its own responsibility for introducing cholera to Haiti, the organization does a disservice to Haiti and Haitians, who deserve better.'"
The UN isn't to blame for shitty sanitation (Score:5, Interesting)
Even if they did accidentally bring cholera in, it's the terrible state of sanitation in Haiti that has turned it into an epidemic. Haiti would have likely seen cholera even if the UN hadn't come in. Someone would have just brought it in later. And I dare say they help the outsiders have provided has far outweighed any harm they've done.
Re:Why Nepal is sending troops elsewhere? (Score:5, Interesting)
Because their troops are some of the most badass in the world.
You know their troops are the ones we know as the Gurkha's right? ( http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gurkha [wikipedia.org] )
UN asked for troops, Nepal volunteered some of theirs, UN said "ok". (theyve volunteered for almost every major UN operation)
Gurkhas, being the tough SOB's they are, weren't gonna let a little stomach bug get in their way.
Re:Yay cholera, KILL KILL KILL! (Score:2, Interesting)
I apologize for this comment. It was not me who wrote the parent comment. This is what happens when you leave ./ open with a vindictive coworker lurking about.
Focus on solving the problem (Score:5, Interesting)
It's a mistake to point the finger at the United Nations. As the original editorial noted, Haiti does not have a system to deliver clean water. Any time you have 90 percent of a population drinking from the sewer it's only a matter of time before you have an outbreak. Past efforts to build a modern clean-water delivery system have been thwarted by civil war, endemic corruption and general ineptitude
Haiti doesn't need another failed aid project. What Haiti needs is a bureaucracy to construct and manage their own infrastructure. Haiti also needs to build a judicial infrastructure that's capable of rooting out corruption.
Re:Why Nepal is sending troops elsewhere? (Score:5, Interesting)
Lone Nepali Gorkha who subdued 40 train robbers [myrepublica.com]
30 Taliban vs. 1 Gurkah results in Gallantry Cross for Acting Sergeant Dipprasad Pun [liveleak.com]
As a Gurkha is disciplined for beheading a Taliban: Thank God they are on our side! [dailymail.co.uk] .... (For Mail haters [express.co.uk])