Cholera death toll rises in Haiti

The death toll from the cholera epidemic in Haiti has officially surpassed one thousand, according to figures released Monday, although unofficial figures put the toll much higher. Last week, the Medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders) said the response to the crisis from the numerous government and non-government agencies has been “inadequate”.
The group called for a concerted effort to build latrines, provide safe water supplies, remove bodies and educate the population on how to treat the disease.
“I don’t think it is a problem of money. I don’t think it is a problem of means. I think it is a problem of [how NGO’s react]” says Stefano Zannini, the head of mission for MSF in Haiti.
He told Vatican Radio the situation will be made worse as the nation prepares for elections scheduled for next Monday.
“We will expect an increase in violence in the country,” he says. He says NGO’s must communicate with the leaders of political protests to explain the importance of allowing timely access to medical care.
Listen to Stefano Zannini's full interview with Charles Collins: