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WHO says cases of trauma injures are slowly decreasing in Haiti
Cases of trauma injuries sustained in the earthquake in Haiti such as broken bones are slowly decreasing, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Patient in the hospital
While trauma injuries were previously more than 20 per cent of cases in health facilities, they still represent over 10 per cent of all consultations.
WHO adds that there has been no notable increase of reports of infectious diseases, with acute respiratory infections being the most common disease at the moment.
There have also been a few cases of bloody diarrhoea and tetanus but no cases of neo-natal tetanus.
WHO spokesman Paul Garwood warns that sanitary conditions remain the major threat that may cause outbreaks of epidemic diseases.
"Sanitation in the temporary settlement sites are major concern. We see colleagues in the watch cluster estimating that 18,000 latrines are needed in Port au Prince to support 900,000 people. It's estimated that less than five per cent of the needs for latrines has been met and this is based on the need of one latrine per fifty people."
On the response to health needs, Paul Garwood says mobile clinics are being deployed in 250 spontaneous settlements as identified by the government.
In addition, other supplies have being received in Haiti, including 1,000 beds, more than 200 stretchers and other items such as wheelchairs, crutches, blankets and pillows.
Bissera Kostova, United Nations.
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