Dear Editor,

As neighbours we share the profound sadness that accompanies the tragic news about the deplorable cholera epidemic that presently afflicts the unfortunate people of Haiti. The outbreak is the result of the devastating earthquake that destroyed so much of Haiti last January.

Since then international aid agencies and individuals have been trying desperately to restore a sense of normality to Haiti. The outbreak of cholera indicates how much more needs to be done urgently. Cholera is a waterborne disease that results directly from insanitary conditions. Of paramount urgency in Haiti today is the need for mobile rehydration units for the afflicted and widespread supplies of purified water to contain the disease in Port-au-Prince and those other areas affected by the earthquake.

Surely it should be possible to help the Haitians in the important area of potable water supplies as we take adequate measures to ensure that a similar outbreak does not occur in Jamaica.

John V Black

Kingston 8