Cholera Epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC): Over 230 Deaths in 7 Months, UNICEF Calls for Urgent Measures
The cholera epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) continues to escalate, with more than 230 people reported dead in the past 7 months, according to UNICEF.
The ongoing cholera epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has claimed more victims, causing growing concerns among authorities and healthcare organizations. According to UNICEF, at least 230 people have lost their lives in the past 7 months, with over 31,000 suspected or confirmed cases recorded. Among these alarming figures, many children are affected by this acute diarrheal disease.
UNICEF’s coordinator in the DRC, Shameza Abdulla, expressed concern about the rapid spread of cholera. In a public statement, he emphasized that if urgent measures are not taken, the epidemic could spread throughout the entire country. People displaced due to ongoing conflicts are particularly vulnerable to this situation, given the precarious living conditions they face.
Previous cholera outbreaks in the DRC have already had devastating effects, with the most recent one in 2017 resulting in the deaths of 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 proper medical treatment is not administered promptly.
Given this critical situation, authorities in the DRC and humanitarian organizations must intensify their efforts to curb the spread of cholera. Preventive measures such as access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation facilities are crucial to halting the disease. Additionally, information and awareness campaigns must be conducted to educate communities about ways to prevent contamination.
