DRC - Cholera outbreaks 2021 - 2023

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PRESS RELEASE
Health

DRC: Children facing the worst cholera epidemic in the last 6 years

POSTED ON AUGUST 18, 2023

In North Kivu, more than 8,000 children under the age of 5 have already been infected in the first seven months of the year, six times more than in the whole of 2022.

Goma, 18 August 2023 – UNICEF today warned that escalating conflict and displacement in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is pushing children into the worst cholera outbreak since 2017.

The worst outbreak since 2017

Across the country, at least 31,342 cases of cholera have been suspected or confirmed and 230 deaths have been recorded since the beginning of the year , many of them children. According to the Ministry of Public Health, the most affected province, North Kivu, has recorded more than 21,400 confirmed or suspected cases, including more than 8,000 children under the age of 5 . This figure is all the more alarming when analyzed in the light of the 5,120 cases recorded over the whole of 2022, of which 1,200 concerned children under the age of 5.

“ The scale of this cholera epidemic and the devastation it is wreaking on the population should alert us ,” said Shameza Abdulla, UNICEF DRC Senior Emergency Coordinator , based in Goma. “ If urgent action is not taken in the coming months, there is a significant risk that the disease will spread to parts of the country that have not been affected for many years . It is also likely to continue to spread in IDP camps and sites , where systems are already overwhelmed and people, especially children, are highly vulnerable to disease and, potentially, death. Displaced families have already suffered so much. "

In 2017, in a similar configuration, the cholera epidemic had spread to the whole country, including the capital, Kinshasa, resulting in nearly 55,000 cases and more than 1,100 deaths.
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https://www.unicef.fr/article/rdc-l...pidemie-de-cholera-de-ces-6-dernieres-annees/

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South Kivu: following the lack of drinking water, outbreak of cholera cases in the health zone of Fizi

Saturday August 26, 2023 - 07:40

Since the beginning of 2023, there has been an increase in cases of the dirty hands disease, cholera, in several health areas in the Fizi health zone in South Kivu.

According to health sources, this increase in the disease is due in particular to the shortage of drinking water which the population of the city of Baraka is victim of during this dry season.

“We went from 10 cases for the 31st week of the year to 14 cases in the 32nd week; and for the last week (W33), which started from August 14 to 20, we have 37 cases of cholera. us the technical team of the area to come and present the situation, and by discussing with the mayor of the city and various opinion leaders of the place in particular. Two main causes of this outbreak emerged: the shortage of drinking water in the town of Baraka and the insufficiency of hygienic toilets”, said the head doctor of the Fizi zone, Albert Muhangahiko, at the end of the meeting with the mayor and the various partners on August 22.

According to Dr. Muhangahiko, after analysis of the situation, it was recommended that the technical team of the Fizi health zone, accompanied by partners, could intensify sensitization so that the population learns good habits, in particular the systematic washing of hands before meals, and every time you leave the toilet. But also to raise the awareness of household managers so that each family can have a hygienic toilet.

For its part, civil society has recommended to the health zone and its partners to install water chlorination sites in the various places where there is a water problem, although no case of death has been reported. still recorded.

Lubunga Lavoix, in Baraka


https://actualite.cd/2023/08/26/sud...mbee-des-cas-de-cholera-dans-la-zone-de-sante

 

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South Kivu: The cholera epidemic declared in Shabunda, already around sixty cases including 11 deaths recorded in 2 weeks

Friday, September 1, 2023 - 11:22

The cholera epidemic is declared in the health zone of Shabunda in the province of South Kivu in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

The announcement was made to the press on Wednesday, August 30, 2023, by Kongakonga Muzalia, interim administrator of Shabunda territory. The territorial authority asks its citizens to respect hygiene measures, in particular to build toilets to prevent the spread of this disease.

“The cholera epidemic is beautiful and well confirmed in our territory of Shabunda. This is why I ask all village leaders to require households to build toilets. Recalcitrants will be punished,” he said.

For his part, the Shabunda Zone Chief doctor invites all patients to go to the Shabunda General Hospital for free care.

In addition, Justin Bengheya, Head of the Health Information and Epidemiological Surveillance Office at the Provincial Health Division (DPS), indicates that the Shabunda health zone recorded 67 cases of cholera in two weeks, including 11 deaths. He specifies that 5 mining sites are affected by cholera in Shabunda.

It should also be noted that of the 34 health zones in the province of South Kivu, 7 are affected by cholera.

Déogratias Cubaka, in Bukavu


https://7sur7.cd/index.php/2023/09/...-shabunda-deja-une-soixantaine-de-cas-dont-11

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South Kivu: Cholera cases continue to increase in the Fizi health zone

Tuesday, September 5, 2023 - 8:44 a.m.

Since the beginning of August, there has been an increase in cholera cases in the health zone of Fizi, in South Kivu.

According to health sources, during the last week, the number of documented and confirmed cases has increased from 34 to 74 in the health zone of Fizi. Most of the cases come from the city of Baraka being the most affected.

“We have recently been experiencing a cholera epidemic in the area. The cases are increasing day by day. In Baraka we have four health areas which are more affected: the Baraka-centre area which recorded 37 cases in the 34th Among these 34 cases, Mwemezi 1 district had 11 cases, Kalinga-Nord 5 cases, Mwemezi 2 3 cases, Matata 1 case, Aebaz 1 case, Kabondjwa1 1 case, Kibondjwa2 1 case, Majengo1 1 case and Matata2 1 case. Mushimbakye health area, we have 22 cases but its most affected neighborhood is Mwandiga2 which has recorded 17 cases ," said the responsible for sustainable development in the Fizi health zone, Eciba W'eciba.

Since the beginning of this outbreak, no case of death has yet been recorded according to the same sources. Except for one person who died outside the area on Lake Tanganyika, while traveling in a boat to Tanzania.

Since August 25, 2023, the acting Mayor of the city of Baraka has officially declared the cholera epidemic in the city of Baraka while asking the population to ensure compliance with hygiene rules.

Lubunga Lavoix, in Baraka

https://actualite.cd/2023/09/05/sud...sent-daugmenter-dans-la-zone-de-sante-de-fizi

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South Kivu: resurgence of cholera cases in Sange and Minembwe

Published on Wed, 06/09/2023 - 19:24 | Modified on Wed, 06/09/2023 - 19:24

New cases of cholera have resurfaced in the city of Sange as well as in Minembwe in the highlands of Fizi, after Kamanyola and Katogota, in the province of South Kivu.

According to the director of the Sange hospital, René Kinyungu, a patient suffering from cholera died on Tuesday September 5 at the Sange hospital. The patient was taken to hospital when his situation had already deteriorated.

He points out that the majority of cholera patients in Sange are Burundian asylum seekers. They come from the assembly camp in the Kinanira district, where they live in precarious conditions.

“No hygienic measure is respected in this site” , reports doctor René Kinyungu, who affirms that in five days, 60 new cases of cholera were recorded at the Sange hospital, from Kinanira.

In the highlands of Fizi, particularly in Minembwe, more than 52 cases of cholera were recorded in August at the hospital in Minembwe.

In Kamanyola, in the territory of Walungu, a woman died as a result of this epidemic. The Nyangezi zone head doctor arrived on Monday 4 September to help the local team put in place a contingency plan.


https://www.radiookapi.net/2023/09/...surgence-des-cas-de-cholera-sange-et-minembwe

 

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Cholera outbreak in Kamanyola: 79 cases recorded, including one death


Kamnyola, September 10, 2023 – A cholera epidemic is raging in Kamanyola, in the territory of Walungu, in the province of South Kivu.

Until Sunday September 10, 79 cases of cholera have been recorded, including one death.

“This is an opportunity to alert politicians,” said Roger Sadiki Muganguzi, a local notable. “This disease has been shaking the population of Kamanyola and its surrounding areas for more than three weeks. It could even go to the Great Lakes sub-region. But apparently, it's as if our authorities are pretending as if nothing happened. And yet there is danger ahead of us.”

Muganguzi also visited Saint Joseph Hospital in Kamanyola, where he deplored the negligence in the care of patients.

“I am concerned about the illness from this epidemic which caused the death of a lady,” he said.

The hospital's medical director, Charles Masiya, presented the needs of his hospital structure to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the local NGO AIDES, which provide inputs and medicines to treat the sick.
Zola NKOSI
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This article was published on September 11, 2023 3:39 p.m.



https://linterview.cd/epidemie-de-cholera-a-kamanyola-79-cas-enregistres-dont-un-deces/

 

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Maniema: 9 cases of cholera including 2 deaths recorded at the Lubile health center

Published on Sat, 09/16/2023 - 22:37 | Modified on Sat, 09/16/2023 - 22:37

Nine cases of cholera including two deaths have been recorded since last week at the Lubile health center, in the Kalima health zone, in the territory of Pangi (Maniema). One of the people who died was a child.

This information was reported this Saturday, September 16, by the head doctor of the Kalima health zone, Doctor Flory Watuta Kibonge.

The latter confirms the declaration of the cholera epidemic in this area.

Doctor Flory Watuta Kibonge reports that this disease comes from the neighboring territory of Shabunda in South Kivu where the epidemic has already been declared.

He invites the population to be vigilant, while calling for assistance from authorities and partners:

“ At our level as a health zone we have done our best to deploy a quantity of inputs for the protection of nurses. In the community, as soon as you smell, you see a clinical sign that appears, you must contact the health facility directly in time. Because for the diarrhea problem we have the chance of recovering the person 90% if the person arrives on time. As soon as you arrive late, we are less likely to pick you up .”

According to the website of the Institut Pasteur de Lille, the signs of Cholera are “ diarrhea and vomiting. These diarrheas are very numerous, abundant, rice water color and the vomiting occurs in jets. The importance of digestive losses can quickly reach several liters with, as a consequence for the patient, the feeling of an intense thirst that he cannot satisfy, the appearance of quite painful muscle cramps as well as a progressive drying up of urine .

The head doctor of the Kalima health zone reassures about the good progress in the state of health of seven cholera patients interned at the Lubile health center.

https://www.radiookapi.net/2023/09/...ont-2-deces-enregistres-au-centre-de-sante-de
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South Kivu: new resurgence of cholera, more than 5 deaths recorded between September 11 and 17

Thursday September 28, 2023 - 7:59 p.m.

The province of South Kivu recorded 5 cholera deaths in the week of September 11 to 17, 2023 alone.

In a briefing with the press, the Provincial Health Division indicated that the territory of Shabunda is in first position with 79 cases and 1 death, followed by the health zones of Ruzizi 64 cases, Uvira 37 cases, Murundu 26 cases and 3 deaths as well as the Katana Health Zone 27 cases.

"In week 37, we reported 341 cases and 5 deaths. It's really huge and we think that it really takes joint efforts to be able to reverse the trend," said Dr. Jean Claude Kulondwa, head of office responsible for hygiene and public health at the provincial health directorate.

He also notes that South Kivu is currently one of the most affected provinces.

“South Kivu is one of the provinces reporting a lot of cases. It is also the first position for the country since week 37,” added Doctor Jean Claude Kulondwa.

The provincial health department notes that the major cause is the consumption of unclean water. A vaccination campaign has also been announced to stop this epidemic.

Justin Mwamba


https://actualite.cd/2023/09/28/sud...lus-de-5-deces-enregistres-entre-les-11-et-17

 

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Tanganyika: 13 people died of cholera in 2 weeks in Kabalo

Published on Sat, 14/10/2023 - 00:41 | Modified on Sat, 14/10/2023 - 00:41

Thirteen deaths and more than two hundred cholera patients have been recorded in Kabalo (Tanganyika) for two weeks, revealed the administrator of this territory, Prince Sengo, Friday October 13 on Radio Okapi.

Many cases are recorded in Katutu village, according to Prince Sengo. But several other villages are also affected such as Kabalo center, Kibule, Kilanga, Kitule, where residents consume water from the Congo River.

The Kabalo territory administrator launched an SOS to the provincial authorities and other partners for sufficient care of the sick, because the Kabalo health zone is short of curative inputs and has no means to stop the rapid spread of cholera:

“We got by from day one, we got into debt with small pharmacists and traders here to have even a few small inputs to be able to take care of the sick. The plea that we are making to the hierarchy so far 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 of this will take a lot of time to act in relation to the urgency we have.”

In the meantime, the authorities of the Kabalo territory also continue to raise awareness among the population to prevent cholera.


https://www.radiookapi.net/2023/10/...sonnes-mortes-de-cholera-en-2-semaines-kabalo

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Uvira: The population is hit by the cholera epidemic, 311 cases recorded in a month and a half

By Ngabo E- October 17, 20230152

UVIRA, SOUTH KIVU:- The Central Office of the Uvira Health Zone, warns of a worrying increase in cases of the cholera epidemic. In an interview with Kivutimes at his office, this Tuesday, October 17, 2023, the person in charge communication in the Uvira health zone speaks of 311 cases recorded from September until October 17, 2023 and among them two deaths. According to him, the increase in these cases is worrying in the Uvira health zone because it is a situation that is not normal.

In this interview, Mr. JAIME SAIDI MUFITINI discusses the factors contributing to this epidemic, he cites in particular the lack of drinking water in the town of Uvira as the main factor. Following this shortage of drinking water, residents resort to water from the lake and rivers and consume it without being purified.

Alongside the lack of drinking water, the communications officer at the Uvira health zone also talks about the poor management of waste in the town of Uvira by residents. According to him, waste is thrown here and there without proper management, something which is also the basis of the increase in cases of the disease in the city. Our source adds, the lack of personal hygiene favors this epidemic. Many people do not respect hygiene measures and other family practices.

Faced with this epidemic, the Uvira health zone now led by Dr PANZU NIMI, as a health zone doctor, tried with its partners to provide solutions to save the lives of the populations of Uvira. Among the solutions, the communicator from the Uvira health zone talks about the establishment of water chlorination sites in different corners of the city. JAIME SAIDI confirms that 56 sites are available in the city of Uvira. These sites installed from Kilomino to Kalundu serve the population to supply themselves with treated water but these sites are not enough, because they are few compared to the population of Uvira informs JAIME SAIDI.

Among the interventions of the Uvira health zone and its partners to save the lives of the inhabitants of Uvira, JAIME SAIDI mentions the availability of structures for the treatment of cholera. Among these structures he speaks of the Cholera Treatment Center of the Uvira General Reference Hospital, “CTC” and the Cholera Treatment Unit “UTC” located at the Kalundu/CEPAC health center. These structures take care of patients affected by cholera.

To this extent our source adds that the Uvira health zone proceeds by disinfecting the households where the sick come and the surrounding areas and this to reduce the level of contamination.
The health zone communicator asks the population to avoid archaic practices of consuming untreated water. He asks residents of the town of Uvira to respect hygienic measures in order to save lives in danger.

Note in July 2020 a vaccination campaign against cholera was organized in Uvira, but independent sources say that several people did not agree to take the vaccine, because there was false information which said that this vaccine was Covid . Today the population is affected by this disease at a high level.


https://kivutimes.com/uvira-la-popu...era-311-cas-enregistres-dans-un-mois-et-demi/

 

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An epidemic likened to cholera threatens displaced people in Kitshanga

October 30, 2023 in News , DR Congo , Health

Displaced people fleeing clashes between the M23 and self-defense groups last week in the Masisi region of North Kivu are facing an epidemic likened to cholera in the site which welcomes them near Kitshanga.

According to Albert Maniraguha Mutuye, president of the site, two deaths due to this disease were recorded last Wednesday to Friday. Twelve other people are receiving care at the St Benoît health center in Kitshanga.

The probable cause would be the unsanitary conditions, the lack of drinking water and latrines in this site which accommodates more than 4,000 households from Kitshanga and its surroundings.

“We continue to record positive cases of this terrible disease, which has symptoms similar to cholera. These patients who are at St Benoît hospital present vomiting, diarrhea and other symptoms. Since the start of the epidemic, no doctor has come to visit us. Only a team from the Red Cross came to disinfect the place where the deaths took place ,” explains Mr. Mutuye.

He calls for urgent medical intervention, as well as the installation of latrines and water points, to stem the epidemic. “If we could build toilets and taps, maybe that could save us from this danger ,” he insists.

Contacted on this subject, Dr Salumu Luhembwe Papy, Mweso zone chief medical officer, reserved any comment pending a reaction from the provincial authorities.

Since the installation of the site, the lives of the displaced have deteriorated due to lack of adequate humanitarian assistance. The government and its partners are called upon to intervene urgently to prevent the situation from worsening further.

https://www.agoragrandslacs.net/une-epidemie-assimilee-au-cholera-menace-les-deplaces-a-kitshanga/

 

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North Kivu: more than 200 cases of cholera recorded in the Kanyaruchinya camp since September 2023 (MSF)

Wednesday November 1, 2023 - 11:27

The organization Médecin Sans Frontières (MSF) is warning of the outbreak of cholera cases in the camp for displaced people in Kanyaruchinya in Nyiragongo territory. According to MSF teams, since September 2023, more than 200 cases have been recorded, most of which are women and children.

“We currently note 11 to 12 admissions per day. Those who are affected are people aged over 5 years. Lack of hygiene, insufficient water, a household with less than 5 liters per day, proximity... are among other factors which characterize this outbreak,” reports Justin Mbuya, head of MSF medical activities in Goma.

For Jimmy Matumona, MSF deputy head of mission in the DRC, "the situation is critical in the camps given that there have been donors who have ended their projects since September and October", thus calling for a general mobilization in order to preserve the lives of the displaced

While heavy downpours due to the rainy season fall daily on Nyiragongo and Goma, the displaced live crowded together in rooms.

“Their shelters did not hold up during the recent rain. They are crowded into classrooms and difficult to control their hygiene, so we expect a spike in cholera cases. Can't the government do something this time? », alerts Musekura Théo, representative of the displaced in the territory of Nyiragongo.

In addition to cholera, the displaced people of Nyiragongo are also attacked by measles

Yvonne Kapinga, in Goma

https://actualite.cd/2023/11/01/nor...egistres-dans-le-camp-de-kanyaruchinya-depuis

 

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Maniema: several cases of diarrhea followed by deaths recorded in the Kabambare territory, a deputy alerts the health authorities

Tuesday November 7, 2023 - 09:59

The territory of Kabambare, in the province of Maniema, is plagued by diarrhea. To date, local sources report more than 250 cases and a few deaths already recorded. Provincial deputy Théophile Buleli, who raised the alarm citing local sources, suspects a cholera epidemic. The epidemic has not yet been declared by the competent authorities.

According to this elected official, this situation has been observed for two weeks and it is the Kalonda-Kibuyu, Kabeya and Tchuki health areas which are the most affected.

“The health situation in the Kabambare territory, more precisely in the Babuyu sector, is more than worrying and calls for our responsibility,” declared Théophile Buleli. "The information in our possession indicates a cholera epidemic which has been raging for two weeks in several villages in the Kalonda-Kibuyu, Kabeya and Tchuki health areas. According to local sources, we have already recorded a few deaths, more or less 250 cases of morbidity and their care is really superficial, not responding effectively to the real and felt needs of patients.

The local elected official alerts the competent authorities as well as health organizations to come to support the affected population.

“And due to a lack of inputs and medicines, the population does not know who to turn to,” he added. “This is why, given the scale of this situation which constitutes a health emergency and to prevent the damage that would result from it, we urgently call on the provincial government of Maniema to take responsible health measures to stem this macabre scourge which is ravaging this part of the province. It is up to NGDOs and other health actors to come to the rescue of the population in order to save human lives because human life is sacred."

Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by bacteria that is transmitted through contaminated water and food. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting and abdominal cramps. In severe cases, cholera can lead to dehydration and death.

Maniema health authorities have not yet officially declared the cholera epidemic in the aforementioned entities.

Chadrac Londe, in Kindu

https://actualite.cd/2023/11/07/man...is-de-deces-enregistres-dans-le-territoire-de

 

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Lualaba: More than 200 cases of cholera including 13 deaths recorded in the Fungurume health zone in the space of two months

Thursday November 30, 2023 - 07:58

According to the Lualaba provincial health division, 218 cases of cholera including 13 deaths were recorded in the space of two months in the health zone of Fungurume, a rural commune located more than 100 kilometers from the town of Kolwezi, chief -place in the province of Lualaba. Doctor Francis Kambol, head of the provincial health division, indicates that other health zones in his jurisdiction are also affected by this epidemic.

"I confirm the resurgence of the cholera epidemic in the Lualaba province. It started in the Bunkeya health zone, then Fungurume and a few cases are recorded in the Lualaba health zone. From the 39th epidemiological week to the 46th, the province reported 282 cases including 14 deaths, i.e. a lethality of 5%. Which is higher than the recommended lethality which must be less than 1%,” explained Doctor Francis Kambol.

He informs that many deaths are community-related. Faced with this reality, the provincial health division has put in place a response plan.

“We have put in place a response plan in several health zones, notably Bunkeya and Fungurume. You should know that this cholera epidemic comes from the Haut-Katanga province through the Mufunga-Sampwe health zone precisely. in the health air of Kalwa in Dikulwe. Teams are deployed in these areas to strengthen the response. It is especially in the commune of Fungurume which is considered to be the focus of this disease of dirty hands,” he said. added.

Doctor Francis Kambol also asked the population to respect hygiene rules, to bring any suspected case to the nearest cholera treatment health center for treatment and to avoid handling corpses. .

Timothy Prince Odia

https://actualite.cd/2023/11/30/lua...13-deces-enregistres-dans-la-zone-de-sante-de
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North Kivu: a cholera epidemic is raging in displaced sites

December 8, 2023

Kinshasa, December 8, 2023 (ACP ) .- A cholera epidemic is underway in displaced sites in the province of North Kivu, in the east of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), where 26,000 cases of this disease have been reported in the past 12 months, the ACP learned Thursday from the WHO regional office for Africa.
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For Dr Fiona Braka, head of emergency operations at the WHO regional office for Africa, this figure represents a considerable increase compared to the last six years.

“ We have also seen a widespread outbreak of measles. Thanks to the support of the international community, a measles vaccination campaign was carried out in May this year and the number of cases decreased ,” she said.

Dr. Braka said that it is also planned to carry out a vaccination campaign against cholera in the coming month with a view to helping reduce the burden of this disease.
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https://acp.cd/sante/nord-kivu-une-epidemie-de-cholera-sevit-dans-les-sites-de-deplaces/


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WHO Africa@WHO_Africa

In the camps for displaced people in North Kivu in #DRC , a cholera epidemic is underway. 26,000 cases have been reported in the last 12 months in the province. The @WHO_Africa and partners are working with national authorities to end the epidemic.

 

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Halting cholera in Democratic Republic of Congo displacement site

19 December 2023

Goma – More than 6 million people have been displaced by recurrent armed violence and insecurity in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since the beginning of 2023, violence has escalated in six provinces – Ituri, Kasai, Mai-Ndombe, North Kivu, South Kivu, and Tshopo – forcing nearly one million people to flee their homes.

Living conditions are dire in the displacement camps. Water supply, hygiene and sanitation services are inadequate – conditions that favour cholera outbreak. In Rusayo locality in North Kivu province, an outbreak of cholera since October 2022 has worsened the plight of the displaced. The nearest health facility is four kilometres from the Rusayo camp for the displaced, complicating care for severe cases, which have to be transported on motorbike to the treatment centre.

To help scale up health emergency response, World Health Organization (WHO) supported the establishment of a new cholera treatment centre on the outskirts of Rusayo camp. More than 1500 people, mostly children under five years, have received treatment since September 2023.



Rusayo IDP camp in Rusayo locality, lies at the foot of the Nyiragongo volcanic mountain around 15 km from Goma town, the capital of Nord Kivu province. The camp is home to over 143 000 people, living in extremely difficult conditions. They survive on two litres of water per day per person, well below the recommended quantity of 15 litres.

With an already fragile health situation and overcrowding on the site, cholera has become endemic.


Since the beginning of 2023 up to 10 December, more than 30 000 cases of cholera had been recorded in North Kivu province alone. The province hosts over 2 million displaced people. Cholera is extremely dangerous. It can cause severe acute watery diarrhoea. Symptoms appear between 12 hours and five days following ingestion of contaminated food or water. The disease can kill within a few hours if no treatment is given.

The new 50-bed Rusayo cholera treatment centre receives patients who often arrive very early.

“This is due to efforts made by community mobilizers we have trained with WHO support. They raise awareness about the symptoms and stress the need to go to the treatment centre as soon as the first signs appear," explains Dr Lydie Fatuma, Medical Supervisor at the Rusayo camp cholera treatment centre.


Agnes Olive, 24, brought her 15-month-old son to the treatment centre. Eric had a slight fever, but it was the diarrhoea and vomiting that alerted Agnes. “The community mobilizers had told us that as soon as someone develops diarrhoea and vomiting, we should go straight to the hospital. That’s what I did,” says Agnes.

Following the same advice, 71-year-old Shangoma Shabunyere went to the treatment centre on his own. Satisfied with his treatment, he hopes to return to the camp soon.

“We’re glad to have a treatment centre close by, and the treatment is free of charge. I don't have diarrhoea anymore. If they give me medication, I can go back to the camp," he said.

Seeking care promptly is critical in saving lives.


To combat cholera in Nord Kivu, WHO is supporting the provincial health authorities. In addition to the cholera treatment centre, the Organization has built two 5000-litre water tanks, which are filled daily.

Oral rehydration points have also been set up the camp. These are the first steps in treating cholera. Patients rehydrate themselves to reduce the risk of arriving at the treatment centre in critical condition.


In addition to the recently established treatment centre, WHO has also delivered more than 78 tons of cholera treatment supplies to Nord Kivu and sent rapid response teams into the field to disinfect IDP tents and treatment centres.

“As soon as a case is confirmed, the household and nearby tents are systematically disinfected before the patient is discharged from the treatment centre,” says Dr Alain Mangolopa, WHO Field Coordinator in North Kivu.

“The response to cholera should be based on a holistic approach because any solution to the epidemic depends mainly on access to drinking water and sanitation services, as well as medical care,” he says.


Cholera has become recurrent Nord Kivu Province, a situation compounded by poor water and sanitation infrastructure in the displacement camps, high population displacement and the ongoing rainy season.

Given the health situation in the camps, the province is focusing on prevention. “We’re in the rainy season and we’re expecting outbreaks, so we’re stepping up our response in terms of water supply and prevention, particularly vaccination against cholera,” explains Dr Stephane Hans Batey, Head of the Nord Kivu Provincial Health Division. “We have already secured 2.6 million doses for IDPs and host populations.”

A two-round vaccination campaign kicked off on 11 December to cover eight most affected health zones.



From 28 September to 13 December 2023, the Rusayo treatment centre, where hospital stays do not exceed four days, treated nearly 1500 people without a single case of death.

Agnes Olive, with her son on her back, and two other patients discharged, returned home with the resolve to be more vigilant about hygiene and to avoid going back there.

“Before leaving, the doctor insisted on cleanliness and hygiene. I'm going to follow his advice,” Agnes says.

https://www.afro.who.int/photo-stor...country=975&name=Democratic Republic of Congo
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