Cholera Epidemic Feared Among Rwandan Refugees in Zaire

Strategic Insights -

Tens of thousands of Rwandan refugees are dying from starvation, disease, and unsanitary conditions in the overcrowded camps in Zaire, with medical workers fearing a severe cholera epidemic is unfolding. Refugees are being treated for cholera, a highly communicable disease that can spread quickly in crowded and unsanitary conditions, with doctors warning that up to 20,000 cases are possible, resulting in at least half of those infected dying. Fresh water and rehydration solution are desperately needed, with doctors estimating that up to 2 million gallons of water would be required daily to treat the outbreak.

Key Takeaways:

  • 200,000 refugees have camped at Munigi, a few miles north of the border town, where medical workers are administering intravenous solution to scores of men, women, and children diagnosed with cholera.
  • Dr. Jacques de Milliano, president of Doctors Without Borders, predicts an outbreak of 10,000 to 20,000 cases of cholera, with at least half of those infected dying.
  • Fresh water and rehydration solution are needed immediately to treat the outbreak, with estimates suggesting that up to 2 million gallons of water would be required daily.
  • Dr. de Milliano also warned that the relief effort is being hampered by conflicts between the French military and relief organizations, as well as an inadequate response from the international community in terms of money and supplies.
  • Panos Moumtzis, a spokesman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, said that less than 10 percent of what is needed to provide food and shelter for the refugees is coming in.
  • The refugee crisis in the south was caused by broadcasts over a radio station operated by partisans of the former Government, which was dominated by members of the Hutu tribe.
  • The United Nations and humanitarian agencies, including UNICEF and Doctors Without Borders, have called for a significant increase in aid and a political solution to the crisis, including a substantial UN force to ensure protection for the refugees.

Statistics:

  • Up to 20,000 cases of cholera possible
  • 50,000 gallons of water arrived daily
  • 60,000 liters of intravenous fluid needed daily
  • 200,000 refugees camped at Munigi
  • 1 million refugees on the road toward Zaire
  • Less than 10 percent of what is needed to provide food and shelter for the refugees is coming in
  • 19 relief flights arrived in a single day, the most since the refugee crisis began
  • 400,000 refugees fled into the Bukavu area from southwestern Rwanda in the last 48 hours

Sources:

  • "Relief workers fear cholera epidemic among Rwandan refugees in Zaire" by an unknown author (The New York Times, exact date not specified)
  • "Cholera Epidemic Feared Among Rwandan Refugees in Zaire" by an unknown author (The New York Times, exact date not specified)
  • Interview with Dr. Jacques de Milliano, president of Doctors Without Borders
  • Interview with Panos Moumtzis, a spokesman for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees
  • Interview with Osei Kofi, a spokesman for UNICEF
  • "Refugees Face Death from Starvation and Disease" (The New York Times, exact date not specified)
  • "Cholera Spreads in Zaire Refugee Camps" (The New York Times, exact date not specified)