DRC cholera: 'Alarming outbreak' reported in the city of Lubumbashi
In the city of Lubumbashi, the capital city of Haut-Katanga province in southern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), officials are reporting an alarming outbreak of cholera since September 2024.
Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reports 1,401 suspected cases and 40 deaths during this period.
To contain this outbreak, MSF explains that it has mobilized its teams in support of local health authorities.
efforts are concentrated in seven health zones, including Kenya, Lukafu, Lubumbashi, Mubunda, Kampemba, Kisanga and Katuba where more than 1012 patients have been treated since the start of their intervention in October. This is thanks to the establishment of 11 oral rehydration points and 81 water chlorination stations.
These temporary structures make it possible to quickly stabilize patients and disinfect water sources to limit contamination.
In addition to medical care, MSF health promotion teams raise awareness among communities about essential actions to prevent infection.
However, the challenges remain immense. The rainy season is favouring the proliferation of the disease, and many communities continue to rely on contaminated river water, MSF regrets in its bulletin.
MSF's bulletin stresses the need to invest in long-term solutions to prevent such outbreaks from recurring. This includes access to safe drinking water, basic sanitation and better education on food hygiene.
Since the beginning of the year, more than 30,000 total cholera cases and 415 deaths have been reported in the DRC.