Cholera in the DRC: more than 230 deaths in 7 months, UNICEF calls for urgent measures

– Advertisement-

The cholera epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to grow, with more than 230 people dying in the past 7 months, according to UNICEF.

The cholera epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has claimed new victims, causing growing concern among authorities and health organizations. According to UNICEF, at least 230 people have lost their lives in the last 7 months, while more than 31,000 suspected or confirmed cases have been recorded. Among these alarming figures, many children are affected by this acute diarrheal disease.

UNICEF DRC coordinator Shameza Abdulla has expressed concern over the rapid spread of cholera. In a public statement, he stressed that if urgent measures are not taken, the epidemic is likely to spread to the whole country. People displaced by ongoing conflicts are particularly vulnerable to this situation, given the precarious living conditions in which they find themselves.

– Advertisement-

Previous cholera outbreaks in the DRC have already taken their toll, with the most recent in 2017 killing at least 1,000 people. Cholera is caused by ingesting water or food contaminated with the bacterium “Vibrio cholerae”. Symptoms include severe diarrhea and rapid dehydration, which can lead to death if adequate medical treatment is not promptly administered.

Faced with this critical situation, the DRC authorities and humanitarian organizations must redouble their efforts to stem the spread of cholera. Preventive measures such as access to clean drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities are key to curbing the disease. In addition, information and awareness campaigns should be conducted to educate communities on ways to prevent contamination.