Latest news with #cholera
Zawya
6 days ago
- Health
- Zawya
United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) supports efforts to protect inmates from cholera at Aweil Central Prison
Across South Sudan, tens of thousands of inmates are crammed into overcrowded prisons with dire living conditions, including poor sanitation and limited access to food, clean water and healthcare. In some locations male and female prisoners are housed in the same cells due to a lack of space, creating safety concerns and the risk of abuse. The Aweil Central Prison, in Northern Bahr El Ghazal, is not immune from this problem. Constructed with the capacity to house 150 inmates, it is now overwhelmed by more than 700 prisoners. In these conditions, disease can run rampant, particularly cholera, with more than 9300 cases already recorded in the region since the deadly outbreak began last year. The United Nations Mission in South Sudan is responsible for monitoring prison environments, management, and the rights and wellbeing of inmates. After assessing conditions in the Aweil Central Prison, the mission's Rule of Law team requested prison authorities and the State Minister of Health to prioritize health services. 'We advocated very strongly for improved hygiene and sanitation for the prisoners, and particularly requested improved disease prevention because, if cholera takes erupts in this closed environment, it would be disastrous,' said UNMISS Corrections Advisor, Amina Kavirondo. As a result of this advocacy, all inmates and prison officers have now been vaccinated with the support of the World Health Organization and State Ministry of Health. 'Given the large number of inmates accommodated in such a crowded facility with dire living conditions, we were very worried about their exposure to disease and felt it was important to vaccinate the prisoners to prevent cholera taking hold,' said the Ministry of Health's immunization manager, Philip Malong Thiel. 'We were afraid because of the rumors that there were already cholera cases in the prison,' says one female inmate. 'I now feel prepared and protected after my vaccination.' Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Cholera outbreak strains health system at a mining camp in Congo
STORY: :: Lomera, DRC :: June 18, 2025 A cholera outbreak has infected more than 600 people at an artisanal gold mine in South Kivu province, overwhelming local health services and exposing severe sanitation challenges in the conflict-hit eastern Congo. Many patients, like Riziki Bachoke, described severe symptoms and were treated at this makeshift center run by Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). "I have been here for two days, suffering from diarrhea. I was brought here in a critical condition. I also had dizziness, but when I arrived here, they examined me before giving me medication. I took syrups and serum. After three days, I feel good. I am strong and I say thank you very much." Cholera is a bacterial infection caused by consuming contaminated water or food. It can kill within hours if untreated. Aid workers and health officials warn of recurring outbreaks without proper sanitation infrastructure, clean water, and long-term healthcare investment. Earlier this year, North Kivu recorded over 600 suspected cholera cases and 14 deaths in one month, raising concerns about similar trends in South Kivu's informal settlements like Lomera. :: Katana, DRC :: July 2, 2025 Dr. Justin Bengehya of the South Kivu Provincial Health Division reported 5,360 cases and 28 deaths across the province since early 2025. The epidemic has raged in Lomera for nearly two months, he says, and most of those affected are miners and small traders. The World Health Organization (WHO) has flagged rising infectious disease risks in eastern Congo amid ongoing displacement and violence.
Zawya
13-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Vaccination against cholera brings hope to more than 2 million Angolans
A new round of the oral vaccination campaign against cholera was officially launched this Saturday in the municipality of Cafunfo, Lunda Norte province, an initiative of the Angolan government, through the Ministry of Health, with the support of GAVI - Global Alliance for Vaccines, the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, the European Union and other partners in the health sector. The campaign plans to vaccinate more than 2 million people in the most affected municipalities in the provinces of Cabinda, Kwanza Sul, Huíla, Lunda Norte, Namibe and Zaire - regions where there is currently active transmission of the disease. The campaign started simultaneously in all the provinces covered, with teams on the ground starting vaccination activities at fixed posts and through door-to-door visits. At the launch, the Minister of Health, Dr. Sílvia Lutucuta, called on everyone to get involved: 'Everyone has to take part in this war against cholera, we're almost there, there's just a little bit left and if we all work together we'll be able to get rid of cholera in Angola.' The minister also highlighted the strengthening of the response capacity thanks to the support of partners: "Through our partners, we managed to get around 1 million vaccines in the first and second rounds. Now we've got 2 million vaccines that will allow us to increase coverage and protect even more people." The vaccine used in this round is Euvichol-S, an oral, single-dose vaccine donated by Gavi and distributed via the international mechanism coordinated by the International Coordination Group (ICG). The campaign involves 942 vaccination teams, made up of vaccinators, mobilizers and supervisors, who will work at fixed posts and also through door-to-door visits. All people aged one year and over will be vaccinated, as part of an integrated response that includes epidemiological surveillance, access to drinking water, sanitation, risk communication and case management. During the ceremony, the WHO Representative in Angola, Dr. Indrajit Hazarika, highlighted the role of the vaccine in protecting communities, but recalled that it must be complemented by other structural measures: "The oral vaccine is a strong tool in our hands, in each campaign we stop the transmission of cholera by reinforcing the vital shield of protection for communities. But the vaccine alone is not enough, we must remain vigilant. The fight against cholera is also about sustainable investment in water, sanitation and hygiene. Only in this way will we cut cholera in the long term." In the beneficiary neighborhoods, the mood is hopeful. After months of fear and uncertainty, the arrival of the vaccine represents a concrete response and essential protection, especially for the most vulnerable families. Verónica Domingos Ferreira, who lives in the municipality of Kikombo, Kwanza Sul, was one of the people vaccinated. After seeing her neighbors fall ill months ago, she decided to seek information and protect her family. Today, she is relieved: "I'm very grateful. Today I got vaccinated and I vaccinated my children. This vaccine is a blessing. Now I feel that my family is better protected." With actions like this, Angola is strengthening its capacity to respond to outbreaks and reaffirming its commitment to the health and dignity of its communities. The campaign will continue in the coming days, with calls for the active participation of the entire population. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO) - Angola.
BBC News
11-07-2025
- Health
- BBC News
Vaccine roll outs cut deaths and infections by 60% says study
Emergency vaccination programmes – rolled out in response to outbreaks of five major diseases – are believed to have reduced deaths by around 60% over a period of 23 years, according to a new study. A similar number of infections are also thought to have been believe that vaccinations stopped much bigger outbreaks of illnesses like Ebola, cholera and yellow study also points to the significant economic benefits of vaccination programmes, which run into billions of dollars. Researchers say this is the first comprehensive study to assess the impact of emergency vaccination programmes in response to the outbreak of five infectious diseases – Ebola, measles, cholera, yellow fever and meningitis. They studied 210 different incidents from 2000 to 2023, covering 49 different countries. The vaccine roll-outs seem to have had an impressive impact, reducing deaths by nearly 60%.The number of overall cases of theses infections were also reduced by nearly 60%.The swift deployment of vaccines also appears to have halted wider were economic benefits too – worth an estimated $32 billion. These benefits come mainly from averting deaths and years of life lost to researchers believe this could be a significant underestimate of overall savings, as it doesn't take into account the costs of dealing with a wider outbreak, or the economic disruption caused by a more serious health emergency. It's believed the 2014 Ebola outbreak, which occurred before the existence of an approved vaccine, is estimated to have cost West African countries alone more than $53 billion. The power of vaccines The study was backed by Gavi, the vaccine alliance, which was responsible for many of the programmes. Dr Sania Nishtar, the organisation's CEO, says the study shows just how important quick and effective vaccine roll-outs can be."For the first time, we are able to comprehensively quantify the benefit, in human and economic terms, of deploying vaccines against outbreaks of some of the deadliest infectious diseases."This study demonstrates clearly the power of vaccines as a cost-effective counter-measure to the increasing risk the world faces from outbreaks. "It also underscores the importance of fully funding Gavi, so it can continue to protect communities in the next five years to come."Gavi is currently trying to secure a fresh round of funding in the face of global cuts to foreign aid.
Zawya
09-07-2025
- Health
- Zawya
South Sudan's longest cholera outbreak enters critical stage
The outbreak – which started in September 2024 and was confirmed a month later – comes amidst a protracted humanitarian crisis exacerbated by rising intercommunal violence, climate shocks such as flooding and catastrophic hunger. 'Now, more than ever, collective action is needed to reduce tensions, resolve political differences and make tangible progress in implementing peace,' said Anita Kiki Gbeho, UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan. Alarming escalation Since the cholera outbreak was declared in October 2024, UN agencies and partners have documented over 80,000 cholera cases and 1,400 deaths. This is in addition to regional outbreaks of mpox, hepatitis and measles among other communicable diseases. South Sudanese authorities, civil society and UN agencies held an inter-ministerial meeting on Monday to discuss what they called an 'alarming escalation' in the spread of the outbreak. 'This is not merely a public health crisis, but a multi-sectoral emergency exacerbated by flooding, displacement, and limited access to basic services,' the ministers wrote in a communiqué released. The group resolved to facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access to areas which already have outbreaks and to other areas at risk for outbreaks. The Government of South Sudan will coordinate these efforts. Partners will also work to preposition materials, improve water and sanitation infrastructure and coordinate proactive and reactive vaccination campaigns. Time is running out With the peak of the rainy season on the horizon, the next eight weeks are critical in containing and mitigating the outbreak before severe flooding begins. 'Time is of the essence to prevent a further escalation of the outbreak,' the officials wrote. Floods more than double the frequency of cholera outbreaks by imperiling access to clean water and impeding humanitarian access to affected areas. And with rising global temperatures making floods more severe, millions of South Sudanese who were not previously in regions of concern may now be at risk for cholera outbreaks. A preventable disease Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by consuming contaminated water or food. Although highly communicable, it is preventable through proper hygiene, regular handwashing, safe food preparation and storage, improved sanitation infrastructure, and vaccination. Symptoms typically include watery diarrhoea. Most cases are mild to moderate and can be treated effectively with oral rehydration salts (ORS) mixed with clean, boiled water. However, in severe cases, cholera can be fatal—sometimes within hours—if not treated promptly. Infected individuals can also transmit the disease through their faeces for up to ten days, even if they show no symptoms. Need for additional funds In South Sudan, the already inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure and overstretched public health system has further deteriorated as a result of displacement and conflict. This has ripened the conditions for the spread of cholera. The UN and its partners are working quickly to preposition emergency supplies, especially in these previously low-risk areas, but they are hampered by funding shortfalls. Agencies estimate that they will need $1.69 billion – of which they have only received $368 million – to address the many intersecting humanitarian needs in the country. Nevertheless, the group of ministers insisted that this outbreak is and must remain a priority for all involved. 'Cholera response and flood preparedness must be treated as urgent national priorities,' they said in the communiqué. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of UN News.
