Cholera in Kabalo: a worrying situation that requires rapid intervention
For two weeks, the Kabalo region, in the province of Tanganyika in the Democratic Republic of Congo, has been facing a resurgence of cholera. Thirteen deaths and more than two hundred cases of illness were recorded, according to information provided by the administrator of this territory, Prince Sengo.
The village of Katutu is particularly affected, but other villages such as Kabalo center, Kibule, Kilanga and Kitule are also affected. The inhabitants of these communities consume water from the Congo River, which increases the risk of contamination by cholera bacteria.
Faced with this emergency situation, the administrator of the Kabalo territory launched an appeal for help to the provincial authorities and other partners. Unfortunately, the Kabalo health zone is short of curative inputs and has no means to quickly stem the spread of the cholera epidemic.
“We had been getting by since the first day, we got into debt with small pharmacists and traders here to have even just a few small inputs to be able to take care of the sick. The plea that we are making to the hierarchy, until now, has not yet been successful. The partners are there, but the need is urgent; whereas for partners, the information must be passed up to their hierarchy. All this will take a long time to act in relation to the urgency we have,” said Prince Sengo.
While waiting for an adequate intervention, the authorities of the Kabalo territory continue to raise awareness among the population in order to prevent the spread of cholera. Strict hygiene measures are recommended, such as drinking drinking water, regular hand washing and proper waste management.
It is essential that additional resources are quickly mobilized to respond to this crisis. Humanitarian partners and health authorities must act in a coordinated manner to provide necessary inputs and establish adequate water treatment facilities.
Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by the bacteria Vibrio cholerae. It is mainly spread by consuming contaminated water or food. Symptoms include heavy diarrhea, vomiting and severe dehydration, which can lead to death if not treated properly.
The situation in Kabalo is alarming, and it is our duty to raise awareness and mobilize the necessary resources to provide adequate assistance to those affected by this cholera epidemic. Prevention, patient care and improvement of health infrastructure are essential issues to contain and end this crisis.