WHO: Cholera Claims 1,800 Lives in the Democratic Republic of Congo - Sarmad

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of a worsening cholera outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, following the registration of approximately 1,800 deaths and 60,000 cases since the beginning of this year. The country is simultaneously grappling with an Ebola virus outbreak, amid difficulties in containing both diseases due to armed conflicts and challenges in accessing affected areas.

Agence France-Presse (AFP) quoted WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus as saying that the country is experiencing its worst cholera outbreak in decades, noting that most cases are concentrated in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces in the eastern part of the country.

Ghebreyesus explained that the registration of cases in areas within the Congo River basin raises concerns about the epidemic reaching the capital, Kinshasa. He pointed out that the spread of armed groups is hindering health response efforts in affected areas.

Ghebreyesus emphasized the importance of launching vaccination campaigns, particularly for Ebola in conflict-affected eastern regions, in order to curb the spread of both diseases and alleviate pressure on the health system.

Earlier, on November 2, Ghebreyesus stressed the need to finalize the international agreement on pandemics and enhance cooperation among countries to address cross-border health threats.