Angola Red Cross and IFRC Combat Cholera Outbreak with Safe Water Initiatives

The cholera outbreak in Angola, confirmed on January 7, 2025, has led the Angola Red Cross and IFRC to mobilize volunteers to provide safe water and hygiene education. The outbreak, concentrated in Luanda, has impacted 14 provinces, with Volunteers distributing water-treatment tablets and raising awareness about cholera prevention. Experts highlight the need for sustainable solutions to address the root causes of cholera outbreaks.

In response to a cholera outbreak in Angola that began on January 7, 2025, the Angola Red Cross, alongside the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), has prioritized the provision of safe drinking water and hygiene education. Their efforts include transporting water in buckets to prepare oral hydration solutions and to deliver sanitized drinking water to affected communities.

The outbreak originated in Cacuaco, a district in Luanda Province, affecting 14 provinces and 57 municipalities. Luanda recorded the most cases, totaling 3,788, exacerbated by poor sanitation and a lack of clean water access. Cuanza Norte Province in particular is witnessing a high morbidity rate associated with cholera.

The Angola Red Cross has trained 478 volunteers across six provinces to support health authorities in raising awareness about cholera. Volunteers share critical information on symptoms, prevention methods, and hygiene practices through various outreach methods, including door-to-door engagements and mass communication in public spaces.

Volunteers have also facilitated the establishment of hand-washing stations and distributed over 20,000 water-treatment tablets to ensure clean water access. They provide immediate treatment for cholera at the community level and refer severe cases to hospitals, engaging in preventive education during their outreach.

As part of the cholera vaccination efforts, community engagement is vital. Volunteers work to build trust within communities by collaborating with traditional leaders to share information about vaccination and hygiene practices. While the oral cholera vaccine is a new tool in Angola’s battle against the disease, it is crucial to combine its deployment with water treatment and sanitation initiatives.

Experts emphasize the significance of using existing knowledge to prevent future cholera outbreaks. IFRC’s public health coordinator in Angola, Alexandra Machado, points out the need for continuous preparedness to avert such health crises. Efforts must extend beyond immediate responses to ensure sustainable water and sanitation infrastructure.

Naemi Heita, head of the IFRC’s Country Cluster office, stresses that addressing the root causes of cholera is essential. Collaborative efforts from governments, NGOs, and the private sector are needed to invest in resilient water and sanitation systems, along with health services that can endure adverse circumstances like disasters and climate change.

For more information, resources about the IFRC’s approach to water, sanitation, and hygiene can be found on their dedicated webpage and WASH resources for practitioners.

The cholera outbreak in Angola has prompted an urgent response from the Angola Red Cross and IFRC, focusing on safe water provision and hygiene education. Their proactive measures include the distribution of water-treatment tablets, establishment of hand-washing facilities, and community engagement to disseminate essential health information. Long-term prevention requires addressing underlying issues related to water and sanitation infrastructure, calling for concerted efforts from multiple sectors.

Original Source: reliefweb.int