Haitians stay optimistic during Christmas

Over 2,500 people have died and nearly 105,000 have been sickened in the cholera epidemic besieging Haiti. The outbreak that began in mid-October came just nine months after a devastating earthquake killed over 200,000 people and affected millions more – forcing many to live in tent camps.

“Even though there’s been a decrease in the number of refugees living in the camps, there are still close to one million,” says Jean-Daniel Lefontant, Communications Officer for Catholic Relief Services in Haiti.

But he says that the often uncomfortable living quarters will not affect Christmas celebrations.

“Haitians have always adapted to the most difficult situations,” Lefontant told Vatican Radio. “The camps are becoming small communities… because people have been there for nearly a year now. And Christmas will be celebrated, also in the camps.”

Listen to Jean-Daniel Lefontant’s full interview with Kelsea Brennan-Wessels: