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Cholera

Congo Battles Worst Cholera Outbreak in 20 Years Amid Ongoing Conflict

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing its worst cholera outbreak in over 20 years, with over 58,700 infections and 1,756 deaths recorded so far this year. The epidemic has been exacerbated by ongoing fighting, making it difficult for health workers to reach affected areas. The crisis has also exposed years of neglect of basic water and sanitation systems, leaving the country vulnerable to outbreaks.

Key Takeaways:

  • The cholera outbreak has reached levels not seen since 2004, with over 58,700 infections and 1,756 deaths recorded so far this year.
  • The disease is spreading fast along the Congo River and into remote villages that are hard to reach due to ongoing fighting, according to Dr. Freddy Banza-Mutoka, health emergency response officer at the WHO in Kinshasa.
  • Hospitals and treatment centres have been overwhelmed, with patients often arriving too late to be saved, and over 50% of cases received at treatment centres arriving at the most severe stage of dehydration, Plan C.
  • The crisis has also exposed years of neglect of basic water and sanitation systems, with the government struggling to respond due to ongoing fighting and lack of resources.
  • Doctor's Without Borders (MSF) warned that 20 of the country's 26 provinces are now affected, calling for a "swiftly coordinated international humanitarian response."
  • The looming rainy season threatens to exacerbate the crisis, with flooding and displacement likely to fuel new waves of transmission.
  • MSF teams have launched 16 emergency interventions in partnership with the Ministry of Health, treating over 35,800 patients and vaccinating 22,000 people since January.
  • The rapid spread of the epidemic across the country this year is of particular concern to MSF, with urgent measures needed to prevent further outbreaks.

Statistics:

  • Over 58,700 cholera infections have been recorded so far this year.
  • 1,756 deaths have been reported due to cholera this year.
  • 20 of the country's 26 provinces are now affected by the epidemic.
  • MSF teams have treated over 35,800 patients and vaccinated 22,000 people since January.
  • The disease is spreading at an alarming rate, with cases doubling if urgent measures are not taken.

Sources:

  • The Telegraph, "Cholera outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo: 'We could not reach the problem, it's making the situation very complex'", August 2023.
  • Doctors Without Borders (MSF), "Swiftly Coordinated International Humanitarian Response Needed to Prevent Cholera Outbreak from Escalating", August 2023.
  • World Health Organization (WHO), Statement from Dr. Freddy Banza-Mutoka, health emergency response officer at the WHO in Kinshasa.

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