United Nations acknowledgement needs to translate to financial assistance in support of prevention measures and disease eradication programs

Boston (August 18, 2016) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Foreign Relations Committee, released the following statement after the United Nations (UN) for the first time acknowledged its role in the Haiti cholera epidemic, which has since led to more than 731,000 suspected cholera cases and nearly 9,000 deaths since 2010. Last month, Senators Markey and Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), members of the Foreign Relations Committee, called on the State Department to address the crisis and urged the UN to take responsibility and appropriate steps to remedy the public health emergency.  

“After nearly six years of denial, the UN’s admission of culpability in the deadly Haitian cholera outbreak is an important first step towards reinstating trust with the Haitian and global community. But true accountability will only come with substantial assistance from the United Nations to support the development of solutions that prevent disease transmission and provide treatment for the thousands of people suffering from this deadly scourge. I urge the State Department to work with the United Nations and other global partners to bring justice to the Haitian people and help implement a long-term sustainable health strategy to address the epidemic.”