Cholera Epidemic Worsens in Democratic Republic of Congo, MSF Warns

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing one of the worst cholera epidemics in a decade, with more than 58,000 suspected cases recorded in the past nine months and over 1,700 deaths, according to data from the Ministry of Health. Médecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is sounding the alarm on the need for urgent mobilization of national authorities, humanitarian agencies, and international partners to contain the spread of the disease. The situation is expected to worsen with the approaching rainy season, further increasing the risk of disease transmission and contamination.

Key Takeaways:

• The cholera epidemic in the DRC has recorded over 58,000 suspected cases in the past nine months, with a fatality rate exceeding 3 per cent.
• Twenty of the country's 26 provinces are now affected, and the situation continues to worsen, spreading to new health zones, including provinces not previously endemic for cholera.
• MSF has treated over 35,800 patients and vaccinated over 22,000 people against cholera in the affected provinces, but faces major obstacles, including insufficient funding by the Congolese government and lack of coordination in the emergency response mechanism.
• The disease is largely fueled by poor hygiene conditions, insufficient access to clean water, and inadequate sanitation, which poses a particular challenge in densely populated areas and urban cities like Kinshasa.
• MSF is supporting the Ministry of Health to deliver medical care in specialized treatment centers, training community health workers, setting up chlorination points, and strengthening water and sanitation systems, but access to cholera patients is hampered by logistical difficulties, security risks, administrative barriers, and supply issues.
• The rapid spread of the epidemic and the challenges in providing medical care to affected communities require coordinated action from national authorities, international partners, and humanitarian agencies to ensure the rapid provision of medical care and investment in access to safe drinking water and sanitation.

Statistics:

• Over 58,000 suspected cholera cases have been recorded in the past nine months.
• Over 1,700 deaths have been recorded, with a fatality rate exceeding 3 per cent.
• MSF has treated over 35,800 patients and vaccinated over 22,000 people against cholera.
• 20 of the country's 26 provinces are affected by the epidemic.
• The average yearly rainfall in the DRC is approximately 30-40 inches (76-102 cm).

Sources:

• "Médecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Sounding the Alarm on Intensifying Cholera Epidemic in Democratic Republic of Congo."
• Médecins Sans Frontieres/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) website: msf.org.au