Cholera outbreaks in African countries worsened by floods: UN

Africa is witnessing a surge in cholera infections, notably in its east and south, and floods caused by the heavy rainfall are making the situation worse, particularly in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to the United Nations.

"Children in the DRC are facing the worst floods in decades and the worst cholera outbreak in years," said UNICEF's representative in the DRC, Grant Leaity.

Eighteen out of DRC's 26 provinces have been affected by exceptionally heavy rainfall over the past couple of months. Flood waters have reportedly destroyed or damaged almost 100,000 households, 1,325 schools and 267 health facilities.

"Without immediate action to provide safe water, sanitation, and healthcare to contain the spread of cholera, widespread flooding could push the number of cases to unprecedented levels," Leaity added.

More than 26,000 cases of cholera and 700 deaths were reported in 10 African countries in January, nearly double the number reported last year over the same period, the World Health Organization's (WHO) Regional Office for Africa revealed on Tuesday in a press release.

Zambia and Zimbabwe have been worst hit, but Mozambique, Tanzania, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia and Nigeria are also in the grip of "active outbreaks," with a high risk of further spread, Fiona Braka, spokesperson for the organization, said.

Cholera is an acute diarrhea infection caused by a bacteria that is typically spread via contaminated food or water. The disease is triggered by poverty and inadequate access to clean water, and the growing threat of climate change is worsening the situation.

"Floods, cyclones, and droughts further reduce access to clean water and create an ideal environment for cholera to thrive," said Braka.

A regional effort

In response to the escalating health crisis, leaders of the intergovernmental organization the Southern African Development Community (SADC) convened online on February 2 to address the cholera outbreaks affecting the region.

There's a shortage of resources for acquiring medical products, vaccines, tests and laboratory reagents necessary for the timely and appropriate prevention and treatment of cases, said Angolan President Joao Lourenco, who currently chairs the rotating presidency of SADC.

"Cholera knows no borders and requires a regional approach to address it," Loureco added.

SADC leaders agreed to provide efficient waste management and a sustainable supply of clean water. They also recognized that at least 40 percent of the region's population lacked access to safe water, according to a report by DW on Thursday.