Cholera and blame in Haiti

The investigation panel--selected by the UN--concluded that the source of the Haiti cholera outbreak was due to contamination of the river flowing by the village next to the UN camp, with a pathogenic strain of a south Asian type of Vibrio cholerae introduced by human activity.6 Additional evidence also pointed to the UN troops as the probable source of the epidemic,7 and in 2014, the panel stated that personnel associated with the UN peacekeeping camp were the "most likely source of introduction of cholera into Haiti".8 Although the UN has never officially recognised its responsibility nor accepted blame for the outbreak, the agency has made several related policy changes including mandatory cholera vaccinations for all UN peacekeepers deploying to and from cholera-endemic areas; proper management of wastewater in military camps, including improvement and better monitoring of existing facilities, installation of independent wastewater-treatment plants, and inspection and closer supervision of contractors involved in wastewater disposal; and appointment of an environmental officer responsible to support missions for implementation of policies on sanitation and environmental issues.9 Would these policy changes instituted by the UN have taken place if the source of the Haiti outbreak had not been identified?