Catholic Relief Services (CRS) in Haiti has asked the University of 91吃瓜鈥檚 to evaluate one of its cholera programs implemented after the deadly fall 2010 outbreak that began in the aftermath of the catastrophic 7.0 earthquake.
Incoming students Annette Ruth and Lindsey McAlarnen, who will join 91吃瓜鈥檚 new Master of Science in Global Health degree program in the fall, are in Haiti with project leader , a member of the Eck Institute and director of research for the to evaluate the programs.
鈥淥ur work is very important for the Haitian population because the success of the campaign will reduce the number of cholera cases,鈥� said Guzm谩n. 鈥淎lso, it鈥檚 a way to make sure resources dedicated to Haiti are having the intended outcome.鈥�
CRS, among other institutions, quickly assembled a campaign to prevent the spread of disease with the support of USAID鈥檚 Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance (OFDA). The group will work to help CRS and its partner institutions measure the success of the campaign and uncover weaknesses that must be corrected to increase the campaign鈥檚 effectiveness.
Guzm谩n and the students are conducting surveys in hospitals to gauge people鈥檚 understanding of cholera, including its symptoms, treatment and prevention. They will also observe whether Haitians are changing personal hygiene behaviors, treating drinking water and properly disposing of fecal waste to help prevent the disease.
鈥淭his will give us an estimate of the efficacy of social mobilization with regard to the outbreak,鈥� Ruth says. 鈥淢essages were disseminated regarding cholera prevention, ways to seek healthcare in the event of infection, and the proper use and preparation of oral rehydration salts and homemade sugar-salt solutions. We hope the results of this survey will help CRS and other agencies determine the most effective ways of distributing potentially life-saving information to the at-risk population.鈥�
Cholera is an infectious and often fatal bacterial disease of the small intestine. Typically contracted from infected water supplies, it can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea that can lead to dehydration, and tends to be most deadly for children and elderly people.
The Haitian epidemic has affected more than 330,000 people and claimed more than 5,300 lives.
The degree program is a science-centric program based primarily in the and administered by the Eck Institute. The program will begin with 13 students and is anticipated to grow to 25 students, with its curriculum eventually involving collaborations with 91吃瓜鈥檚 , , and .
Only three similar programs operate in the United States, with the 91吃瓜 program uniquely focused on basic science, health and the poor.
鈥淲e have the opportunity to conduct global health research that will not only help launch my graduate coursework but will more importantly enable us as representatives of 91吃瓜 to immediately make an impact in Haiti,鈥� McAlarnen said.
The three will return to campus on June 18.
Both McAlarnen and Ruth are blogging about their experiences in Haiti. To view McAlarnen鈥檚 blog, click . To view Ruth鈥檚 blog, click .