Mr. President,

Thank you for convening this briefing.

2.    We thank Madam Deputy Secretary-General for the briefing on the Secretary General's latest situation report on the issue. Although progress is being achieved, this is a serious and continuing challenge.

3.    As was mentioned by the Deputy Secretary-General, last year India was one of the 7 countries who had responded to the Secretary-General's appeal to contribute to the Haiti Cholera Response Fund. 

4.    However, we note that the scale of challenge and the resource requirement continues to be huge. India stands ready to contribute further to the Trust Fund. We hope that other Member States will also consider making voluntary contributions to the Trust Fund.

Mr. President,

5.    We also support Secretary-General's proposal to waive the return of the unencumbered balances and credits from MINUSTAH and direct them to this Fund as special measure in view of the serious challenge and lack of resources. Even with this, there would remain considerable shortfall in resources.

Mr. President,

6.    India has also partnered in other health & sanitation, water and humanitarian relief projects in Haiti bilaterally and through the India, Brazil, South Africa (IBSA) Fund besides contributing to MINUSTAH.

7.    We are hopeful that international community through the UN will continue to work with the Government of Haiti to eliminate cholera and achieve broader sustainable development as part of the 'New Approach' of the Secretary-General.

Thank you Mr. President.
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