The National Program for the Elimination of Cholera and Other Diarrheal Diseases in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) recently unveiled an ambitious strategic plan aimed at eradicating cholera and controlling diarrheal diseases until 2027. The plan, titled PMSEC 2023- 2027, represents an essential initiative to significantly reduce the devastating impact of cholera in the country.
Cholera remains a major scourge in the DRC, with alarming statistics: 132 new cases per day and two daily deaths attributed to this disease during the first weeks of 2024. The provinces of North Kivu, Haut Katanga and Haut Lomami are particularly affected. , and the epidemic has already caused more than 181 deaths in 78 health zones across the country.
In addition, the DRC is among the top three countries in Africa with a high number of cholera cases, and ranks among the top five worldwide in terms of annual notifications since 2013. The causes of this alarming situation are multiple, ranging from conflicts and population displacement, lack of access to drinking water and hygiene, and inadequate sanitation conditions.
The PMSEC 2023-2027 plan, with a budget of 192,526,080 US dollars, aims for clear objectives: reduce the number of cholera epidemic outbreaks by health zone, significantly reduce the number of suspected cases and related deaths to cholera by 2027. The planned interventions cover crucial areas such as improving access to drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, raising awareness among populations about good hygiene practices, vaccination, communication and community engagement, and epidemiological surveillance.
For this plan to be successful, close collaboration between all stakeholders involved is essential. It is essential that the measures put in place are sustainable and long-lasting, in order to guarantee the real elimination of cholera in the DRC by 2030.
In short, the PMSEC 2023-2027 represents a glimmer of hope for fighting cholera in the DRC and providing concrete solutions to this major public health problem. Its effective implementation will require firm commitment and coordinated action from all stakeholders, with the ultimate goal of protecting the Congolese population against this deadly disease.