African Health Ministers Vow To End Cholera Outbreaks

African Health Ministers Vows To End Cholera Outbreak In Africa
Matshidiso Moeti _ WHO Africa Director

African Health Ministers have pledged to implement key strategies to end the epidemic of  cholera outbreaks in the African region by 2030.

Forty-seven African countries adopted the Regional Framework for the Implementation of the Global Strategy for Cholera Prevention and Control.

“Cholera is a symbol of inequity,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “It’s an ancient disease, which has been eliminated in many parts of the world.

He also said that death from cholera was preventable. “We have the know-how and today countries have shown that they have the will to do whatever it takes to end cholera outbreaks by 2030.”

“Cholera is a major global public health problem, but the burden and impact of the waterborne disease is greatest in sub-Saharan Africa,” he added.

“In 2017, more than 150 000 cholera cases, including more than 3 000 deaths, were reported in 17 countries Africa. This year, there has been a spike in cholera cases across Africa, with eight countries currently battling outbreaks.”

In adopting the Regional Framework, countries pledged to reduce by 90% the magnitude of cholera outbreaks particularly among vulnerable populations and in humanitarian crises.

They agreed to take evidence-based actions, which include enhancing epidemiological and laboratory surveillance, mapping cholera hotspots, improving access to timely treatment, strengthening cross-border surveillance, promoting community engagement and the use of the Oral Cholera Vaccine (OCV) as well as increasing investments in clean water and sanitation for the most vulnerable communities.

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