Synopsis
The WHO and MSF are urging immediate collective action to control a rapidly spreading cholera outbreak in western Ethiopia's Gambella Region, which has already led to thousands of cases and fatalities. They emphasize the need for safe water and healthcare support, citing worsening conditions due to violence in neighboring South Sudan.Key Takeaways
- The cholera outbreak in Gambella Region poses a grave risk to thousands.
- Unsafe water and poor sanitation are accelerating the outbreak.
- MSF and WHO are calling for urgent healthcare support and vaccination campaigns.
- Conflict in South Sudan is contributing to the worsening situation.
- Cross-border collaboration is underway to address the outbreak.
Addis Ababa, March 15 (NationPress) The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the international medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) are urging immediate collective action to combat the swiftly escalating cholera outbreak in western Ethiopia.
According to a statement from MSF released on Friday, the cholera situation is escalating rapidly in western Ethiopia's Gambella Region, threatening the lives of thousands, with regional health officials reporting more than 1,500 cases and 31 fatalities.
With the ongoing violence in South Sudan's Upper Nile State, it has been highlighted that many individuals are being displaced and are losing access to essential healthcare, safe drinking water, and sanitation facilities.
In a statement released late Wednesday, the WHO also raised concerns about the swift progression of the illness, noting that the outbreak, initially identified in Gambella's Akobo District earlier last month, has now spread to eight districts and four refugee camps, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
The WHO stated it has ramped up response measures by deploying a surge team of experts to offer on-the-ground assistance with outbreak coordination, surveillance, case management, infection control, risk communication, and community outreach, in addition to water, sanitation, and hygiene support.
Both organizations have highlighted that the lack of safe water and inadequate hygiene practices are contributing to the rapid spread of cholera in the area, calling for immediate aid to health facilities and the provision of safe water. They emphasized the necessity of a cholera vaccination campaign in the impacted regions to halt the disease's spread.
The intensifying conflict between governmental forces and armed factions in South Sudan's Upper Nile State has resulted in increased cross-border movements, with refugees and the injured seeking safety in Ethiopia, further worsening the cholera situation in Gambella Region.
The WHO has commenced cross-border collaboration efforts with relevant authorities in South Sudan and Ethiopia to assess the cholera response's progress and enhance cooperation.
