Aid agencies say their efforts to control the cholera epidemic are being seriously hampered by riots. Many Haitians blame Nepalese UN peacekeepers for bringing the cholera epidemic to their country.

The United Nations says vital water, sanitation and hygiene projects are being interrupted. A World Food Program warehouse was looted and burned. Another casualty is a cholera-training program for health professionals. It has had to be halted.

Violence mars delivery of supplies

Spokeswoman for the UN Children's Fund, Marixie Mercado, says the violence is jeopardizing the delivery of life-saving supplies.

"The northern department already has a hospital fatality rate of 7.5 percent, which is the highest in the country," Mercado said. "And, according to PAHO (The Pan American Health Organization) and UNICEF this rate could be multiplied by five if patients do not have access to health services…According to the Ministry of Health, 12 percent of the deaths so far have been among children under five years old. This is as of the 14th of November. And, again just to underline, that this is likely an underestimation of deaths."

The United Nations is sending 11 trucks full of material to cholera-affected regions on Friday. Two helicopter airlifts also are scheduled.

Aid work continues

Aid workers say they hope the convoy will not be interrupted by more riots. They say it is important they be able to bring more medical equipment to the departments. There they will be distributed to communities, hospitals and cholera treatment centers.