Cholera in the Time of MINUSTAH: Experiences of Community Members Affected by Cholera in Haiti

Abstract Background: In October 2010, 10 months after a catastrophic earthquake, Haiti experienced the largest and most deadly cholera outbreak of the 21st century with 820,000 reported cases and up to 10,000 deaths. Nepalese United Nations (UN) peacekeepers are widely believed to have introduced cholera, and the UN formally accepted responsibility for the outbreak in 2016. The current analysis examines how Haitian community members experienced the cholera epidemic and documents their attitudes around accountability and delayed reparations from the UN.Methods: Using a narrative capture tool, 12 Haitian research assistants collected micronarratives in 2017 from participants surrounding 10 UN bases in Haiti. Seventy-seven micronarratives focused on cholera were selected for thematic analysis, which was conducted by two independent coders. Relevant stories were chosen to present a diverse selection of experiences and attitudes related to cholera.Results: Five major themes were identified: 1) Cholera cases and deaths; 2) Accessing care and services; 3) Protests and riots against the UN; 4) Reparations; and 5) Anti-colonialism. Findings highlight the fear and frustration caused by the cholera outbreak and the devastating impact it had on affected families and communities, which was compounded in some cases by an inability to access life-saving medical care. Widespread anger against the UN was also evident and led to protests and riots against the peacekeepers. Most participants believed that the UN should compensate cholera victims but there was significant misinformation about the reparation process. The UN’s culpability in the cholera epidemic provoked anti-colonial sentiments and a call to end the UN’s ‘occupation’ of Haiti.Conclusions: Haiti’s cholera victims and their families deserve clear and transparent updates from the UN and the committed material compensation for cholera must be delivered to affected families. Focused investments to improve access to safe water and adequate sanitation must be instituted to eradicate cholera in Haiti. To rebuild trust in the UN and foreign aid, the committed material compensation must be provided in partnership with local Haitians organizations who consult with community members throughout each step of the process.