In response to a cholera outbreak in Angola, the Angola Red Cross and IFRC are providing safe, treated water and hygiene education. With significant efforts from trained volunteers across several provinces, the initiative aims to prevent further spread by emphasizing water treatment, vaccination, and public health awareness. The players stress the need for long-term investments in water and sanitation infrastructure to mitigate future outbreaks.
In light of the cholera outbreak that began in Angola on January 7, 2025, the Angola Red Cross, with support from the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), has been actively providing treated water and hygiene education to heavily impacted communities. The outbreak emerged in Cacuaco, close to Luanda, subsequently spreading to 14 provinces and 57 municipalities, notably affecting Luanda with 3,788 reported cases.
The Angola Red Cross has trained 478 volunteers across six provinces to assist the Ministry of Health in raising awareness about cholera. Volunteers engage in community outreach, disseminating vital information regarding cholera prevention, symptoms, and hygiene practices through door-to-door campaigns and public forums. The program also aims to set up hand-washing facilities and distribute safe, treated water.
In efforts to control the outbreak, more than 20,000 water-treatment tablets have been distributed to households in affected areas. The volunteers focus on educating community members on the proper use of these tablets to ensure access to safe drinking water. They also provide oral rehydration therapy to those infected and refer severe cases to medical facilities.
Community engagement is crucial in combatting the cholera outbreak effectively. Volunteers collaborate with traditional leaders to promote vaccine awareness and proper hygiene. While the oral cholera vaccine represents a significant advancement, authorities emphasize the importance of integrating this tool with broader preventive measures, including water treatment and sanitation.
The long-term objective remains to avert future cholera outbreaks. As highlighted by Alexandra Machado, the IFRC’s public health coordinator, cholera should not pose a public health threat given existing knowledge and tools. The IFRC actively empowers National Societies and communities under its Ending Cholera Plan to enhance preparedness against potential public health crises.
To eliminate cholera, Naemi Heita, head of IFRC’s Country Cluster office, calls for increased investments in water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructures, as well as health and social services. It is vital for stakeholders, including governments and NGOs, to address underlying causes and develop resilient systems capable of withstanding various crises.
The cholera outbreak in Angola necessitates urgent intervention by the Angola Red Cross and the IFRC to provide safe water and hygiene education. The involvement of trained volunteers in community outreach and sanitary services is essential in combating the disease. As efforts intensify to control the outbreak and prevent future cases, it is crucial to acknowledge the need for systemic investments in infrastructure and public health preparedness to sustainably tackle the cholera issue.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
