Following the cholera outbreak in Angola beginning January 2025, the Angola Red Cross has mobilized efforts to ensure safe drinking water and hygiene awareness among affected populations. Over 478 volunteers are actively involved in educating communities and distributing treatment supplies. The integrated approach combines vaccination with sanitation to prevent future outbreaks. Sustainability and infrastructure investment are emphasized as crucial for long-term public health.
On January 7, 2025, a cholera outbreak was confirmed in Angola, prompting the Angola Red Cross to take immediate action. Volunteers have tirelessly worked to assist communities, even transporting water in buckets to provide safe drinking water and prepare oral rehydration solutions. The outbreak originated in Cacuaco, a suburb of the capital, Luanda, but it has since spread to 14 provinces, with the highest number of cases reported in Luanda (3,788).
Catarina Laurinda, the coordinator for the Angola Red Cross response, stated, “The oral cholera vaccine is an important tool in the fight against cholera… we always need to combine this with other preventative measures such as water treatment, handwashing with soap and sanitation.” Poor sanitation and limited access to clean water have exacerbated the outbreak. Cuanza Norte Province has experienced alarming mortality rates.
To combat this health crisis, the Angola Red Cross has trained 478 volunteers across six provinces, including Luanda, Bengo, Cuanza Norte, Cuanza Sul, Uige, and Zaire. These volunteers work alongside the Ministry of Health to promote awareness about cholera, its symptoms, and prevention measures via various means of communication in public spaces.
As part of their efforts, volunteers have distributed over 20,000 household water-treatment tablets to ensure safe drinking water. Additionally, they administer oral rehydration therapy at the community level and refer severe cases to hospitals. “When the cholera outbreak started in Cacuaco… our first work was distributing water treatment tablets,” noted Joana Manuel Joao, an Angola Red Cross volunteer.
Volunteers engage with communities to promote the cholera vaccination campaign and disseminate hygiene and sanitation information. Catarina Laurinda reiterated the crucial role of the oral cholera vaccine, emphasizing, “…but we always need to combine this with other preventative measures such as water treatment, handwashing with soap and sanitation.”
Alexandra Machado, the IFRC public health coordinator, highlighted the importance of preparedness, stating, “With the tools we have today… cholera should not be a public health concern.” The IFRC is focused on supporting communities to prevent further cholera outbreaks, emphasizing a proactive approach beyond emergency responses.
Naemi Heita, head of IFRC’s Country Cluster office, stated the need to address the root causes of cholera by investing in infrastructure, hygiene, and health services. To achieve a long-term solution, collaboration among governments, NGOs, and the private sector must increase significantly for effective water and sanitation services.
For more resources, visit the IFRC water and sanitation webpage and access their materials designed for sanitation and hygiene practitioners.
The Angola Red Cross, in collaboration with the IFRC, is taking vital steps to combat the cholera outbreak through community education, distribution of treatment resources, and vaccination campaigns. By addressing immediate health concerns and promoting sustainable practices, they aim to mitigate future outbreaks. Ensuring access to clean water and sanitation infrastructure is essential in the fight against cholera and other communicable diseases in the region.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
