The World Health Organization (WHO) for Africa is sounding the alarm on the exponential increase in the number of cholera cases in the continent, in the context of a sharp increase in cases worldwide.
It informs that the number of cases notified on the continent in the first month of 2023 alone has already reached more than 30% of the total number of cases recorded in the whole of 2022.
In detail, according to estimates, 26,000 cases and 660 deaths had been reported as of January 29, 2023 in 10 African countries affected by epidemics since the beginning of the year. By 2022, around 80,000 cases and 1,863 deaths had been recorded in 15 cholera-affected countries.
WHO-Africa points out that if the current rapidly rising trend continues, the number of cases could surpass that recorded in 2021, which was the worst year for cholera in Africa in nearly a decade. The average fatality rate, which currently stands at nearly 3%, is higher than the 2.3% reached in 2022 and well above the acceptable threshold set at less than 1%.
“We are witnessing a worrying scenario in which conflict and extreme weather events are aggravating risk factors for cholera and increasing its impact on lives,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, Regional Director of WHO-Africa.
For her, “it is essential that African countries amplify their preparation to quickly detect cases and put in place a complete and rapid response. We are supporting governments to step up key control measures to stop these outbreaks as soon as possible. »
WHO says it is working with countries to intensify disease surveillance and scale up prevention and treatment measures, community engagement, as well as multisectoral coordination with relevant partners and agencies to improve sanitation and provide drinking water to the population.
Cholera is an extremely virulent acute infection that can spread rapidly and cause dehydration leading to high morbidity and mortality. However, the disease can be easily treated, the UN body said, adding that most people can be treated successfully with the rapid administration of oral rehydration salts or intravenous fluids.
“Every death from cholera is preventable,” added Dr. Moeti. And to continue, “this disease is as much a health problem as a development problem. As such, investments in improving sanitation and expanding access to drinking water are a remarkable complement to public health initiatives aimed at sustainably combating and ending cholera.” , always according to his words.
By OMA Newsletter N° 1043 of 10/02/2023
Article published under the direction of Dr. Najib Kettani
The OMA, NGO with an Intercontinental vocation
For the development of cultural exchanges
Valuing human potential
The promotion and consolidation of Africa’s development, and
Inter-African integration
