To mark 1 year since first case, Health chief hails work to halt cholera

Santo Domingo.- Tuesday marks one year since the cholera epidemic’s first confirmed case in Dominican Republic, where a joint effort, teamwork and strategic alliances with various sectors and organizations have been the key to decrease the disease’s impact and number of deaths in the population, Public Health minister Bautista Rojas affirmed today.

He said the media and the communities have played a leading role in controlling cholera and other tropical diseases, but cautioned that the danger isn’t over because the ailment will still be on the island for several years before it’s eradicated

The official also cited the optimized human and economic resources as key, resulting in cholera’s low incidence on this side of the island of Hispaniola, an accomplishment recognized by international agencies, as the Pan-American Health Organization.

After hailing the Government’s support, the Public Health Minister said in the 12 months after the disease’s first case, the number of suspected cases went below 20,000 when the estimate expected was around 50,000. “As to the teamwork to prevent and control cholera, it’s necessary to stress the Central Government’s support with the disbursement of more than RD$200 million to effectively combat the disease.”