Cholera Outbreak Response in Quara: A Public Health Challenge in Ethiopia

Ethiopia is facing a cholera outbreak in the Quara woreda, originating on July 15, 2023, leading to significant health concerns. A total of 4,983 cases and 90 deaths were recorded by August 2023, with a recent resurgence in January 2025 adding 270 cases. International Medical Corps is actively responding through health and WASH interventions to combat this ongoing health crisis.

A cholera outbreak in the West Gondar Zone of the Amhara region, Ethiopia, emerged on July 15, 2023, affecting 60 woredas across 16 zones. By August 29, 2023, there were 4,983 reported cases and 90 fatalities, indicating a case fatality rate (CFR) of 1.81%. A resurgence in January 2025 added 270 cases and five deaths by February 18, elevating the CFR to 4.5%.

International Medical Corps has been a dedicated provider of health and humanitarian services in Ethiopia since 2003, including nutrition, psychosocial support, maternal health, food security, and WASH services. To address the cholera outbreak, they partnered with local authorities and zonal health offices from February 12, 2025, focusing on health and WASH interventions at two cholera treatment centers: Bermil CTC and Geligu CTC.

The Quara woreda, which has experienced recurrent cholera outbreaks, reported its initial cases from the Bermil St. George Holy Water site in mid-July 2023. Following this, the outbreak spread significantly, necessitating coordinated responses from International Medical Corps and other international organizations.

The urgent escalation of cholera cases at Bermil underscored the importance of effective intervention strategies and community collaboration. By January 1, 2025, 181 cases had been recorded at the designated CTC, with the alarming CFR of 4.5%.

The cholera outbreaks in the Quara woreda demonstrate a pressing public health crisis requiring immediate action. The collaboration between International Medical Corps and local authorities is crucial to controlling the outbreak’s spread. Continuous community engagement and effective health interventions are vital for mitigating cholera’s impact on the affected populations.

Original Source: reliefweb.int