The cholera epidemic continues to rage in the province of South Kivu, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Since last July, there have been a total of 255 suspected cases and 6 deaths recorded in an alarming manner from October to December 2023, according to figures provided by Action, Intervention for Development and Social Supervision (AIDES) , an organization committed to fighting the epidemic.
Faced with the persistence of this epidemic, the AIDES response team has intervened in the field since October. With financial and technical support from UNICEF and the South Kivu Provincial Health Division, the organization is dedicated to surveillance, investigation and rapid response against cholera. It has also set up a site dedicated to the care of patients affected by the epidemic.
According to Jean Ngangura, AIDES team leader in Kitutu, the epidemiological curve seems to show a slight decrease. In fact, the number of reported cases increased from 8 the previous week to 4 cases this week. However, the supply of medicines poses a problem due to the impassability of National Road number 2.
In the Kitutu health zone, located in the Wamuzimu chiefdom, in Mwenga territory, the response team faces many difficulties in transporting medicines due to the deterioration of the national road. This hinders access to care for people affected by the epidemic.
It is therefore necessary to find rapid solutions to overcome logistical obstacles and ensure an adequate supply of medicines. Collaboration between local authorities, health organizations and international partners is essential to effectively combat this cholera epidemic.
The situation remains worrying, but the commitment of response teams and the support of partners gives us hope that the epidemic will be brought under control in the months to come. The health of the populations of South Kivu is a priority and all efforts must be made to limit the spread of cholera and save lives.