This project is an emergency response to the recent cholera outbreak in the South-West Region of Cameroon that is threatening lives of many people. In the Limbe, Kumba, Buea and Tiko health districts, we are working with community health volunteers to carry out community sensitization on cholera reaching a minimum of 600.000 inhabitants. We also increase the consumption of safe drinking water through the distribution of aqua-tabs to 26.664 households.
The South-West Region of Cameroon, where our NGO is based, is facing a cholera outbreak 468 new cases and 6 deaths already. Cholera is an acute diarrheal infection that is spread through water and food. It can lead to severe dehydration and death in a couple of hours if left untreated. Various communities in the region are extremely vulnerable to the spread of cholera, as there is often a lack of safe drinking water, poor sanitation and unprotected water sources.
We provide the most vulnerable communities in the most affected areas with sensitization on cholera which will decrease and slow down the spread of the disease. Through the distribution of aqua-tabs, populations have access to safe drinking water. This community-based project is engaging with people through door-to-door sensitization and aqua-tabs distribution, and working on on mass-prevention in schools, churches and mosques, and on markets.
Outbreaks of infectious diseases occur often in the region, therefore the sensitization will reduce the risk of any upcoming disease as populations are well-aware on how to prevent, manage, and deal with these situations. On the short term, the incidence and prevalence of cholera in Buea, Limbe, Tiko and Kumba health districts will decrease significantly, and eventually will be eliminated.
