LUANDA, Feb 17 (NNN-ALLAFRICA) — A total of one million people, including children and adults, will be vaccinated against cholera to prevent future cases of the disease.
There are currently 1,710 cases and 59 deaths in Angola’s provinces of Luanda, Bengo, Icolo e Bengo, Kwanza Norte, Zaire, Huambo, Hula and Malanje. The cholera outbreak began in the first week of January 2025, having caused 59 deaths in the provinces of Luanda, with 37 cases, Bengo (15) and Icolo and Bengo (7).
The initiative, led by the Ministry of Health, is supported by the World Health Organization (WHO), UNICEF, and the World Bank.
The goal of this emergency initiative is to curb the spread of cholera across the country by strengthening population protection measures. The campaign will include awareness campaigns on preventive measures, such as good hygiene practices and access to drinking water, which are important for preventing new infections.
In this fight against cholera, we acknowledge the role of our development partners and thank them for their unwavering cooperation and support, including WHO and other partners and friends, who have been strong allies in the fight to control this disease,” says Minister of Health Dr Silvia Lutucuta.
Oral cholera vaccines are an additional tool for cholera control, complementing others such as use of safe water, good hygiene, surveillance, and early treatment. As of Feb 11, 3,047 cases and 180 deaths had been reported in eight provinces, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 3.4%. During cholera outbreaks, a CFR lower than 1% is commonly considered as acceptable threshold.
“WHO congratulates the government leadership and reiterates its commitment to continue supporting Angola in its response to the cholera outbreak,” says Dr Zabulon Yoti, WHO Representative in Angola. “We will continue to collaborate with other UN agencies and partners, including the private sector, to support the government in developing sustainable initiatives that guarantee prevention, response, and protection of the population against cholera and other preventable diseases.”
WHO and key partners have also supported other aspects of the cholera response in Angola, facilitating the drafting of a National Cholera Response Plan, procuring medical supplies, strengthening the capacity of health professionals, distributing water treatment solutions, implementing basic sanitation measures and community mobilization. — NNN-ALLAFRICA