Angola Red Cross and IFRC Unite on World Water Day 2025 to Combat Cholera Outbreak

On World Water Day 2025, the Angola Red Cross and IFRC are addressing the cholera outbreak that began in January 2025, providing safe water and hygiene education. The outbreak has spread across multiple provinces, highlighting the need for improved sanitation and clean water access. Over 478 volunteers have been trained to aid in prevention and treatment efforts, while a sustainable approach to water and sanitation infrastructures is being advocated.

World Water Day 2025 highlights the significant collaborative efforts between the Angola Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) to combat the cholera outbreak in Angola. Following confirmation of the outbreak on January 7, 2025, dedicated volunteers have been instrumental in preventing exposure to this serious water-borne disease by providing safe drinking water and hygiene information to affected communities. This initiative includes delivering water in buckets and creating oral hydration solutions.

The outbreak originated in Cacuaco, a suburb of Luanda, which is the capital of Angola, affecting approximately 1.2 million residents. The disease has expanded its reach to 14 provinces and 57 municipalities, with Luanda reporting the highest incidence of cholera cases, amounting to 3,788. The rapid spread is exacerbated by factors such as poor sanitation, limited access to clean water, and a densely populated environment, particularly in Cuanza Norte Province, where the mortality rate is alarmingly high.

In response to the cholera crisis, the Angola Red Cross has trained 478 volunteers across six provinces to raise awareness in collaboration with the Ministry of Health. These volunteers have implemented educational strategies about cholera’s causes, symptoms, prevention, and hygiene promotion through various outreach methods, including door-to-door visits and presentations in public spaces. They are assisting in setting up hand-washing facilities and providing safe, treated water and household cleaning solutions.

The organization has successfully distributed over 20,000 household water treatment tablets to affected areas and plays a crucial role in monitoring transmission routes and ensuring communities have access to safe water supplies and sanitation facilities. Furthermore, the community-level intervention includes administering oral rehydration therapy to patients suffering from cholera, with severe cases directed to hospitals for advanced care.

Trust-building within local communities is essential for the volunteers, who liaise with traditional leaders to promote the cholera vaccination initiative alongside behavioral changes regarding hygiene and sanitation. The commitment to this dual approach recognizes the importance of complementary preventative strategies, as emphasized by Catarina Laurinda.

Addressing future risks of cholera outbreaks is a significant challenge emphasized by IFRC leaders. Alexandra Machado, the public health coordinator in Angola, points out that with current knowledge and tools, cholera should not pose a public health risk. Continuous support from the IFRC is crucial in preparing communities to fend off cholera and related epidemics effectively.

Naemi Heita, leading the IFRC’s Country Cluster office, advocates for acknowledging the root causes of cholera by enhancing infrastructure investments in water, sanitation, and hygiene. This strategic approach supports the IFRC’s Ending Cholera Plan, which aims for accessible water and sanitation services beyond immediate outbreak responses. It calls for collective investment from governments, NGOs, and the private sector in health and social systems to ensure resilience against disasters and climate change impacts.

The collaboration between the Angola Red Cross and IFRC serves as a proactive measure to mitigate the cholera outbreak in Angola, emphasizing the necessity of preventive strategies rooted in community engagement and education. As the response evolves, a focus on sustainable water and sanitation infrastructure is paramount to preventing future outbreaks. The commitment to building trust at the community level and the distribution of vital resources, such as water treatment tablets, is essential for combating this public health challenge effectively.

Original Source: reliefweb.int