Over one thousand cholera cases reported following Cyclone Idai

The number of cholera cases continues to rise in Mozambique, following Cyclone Idai.

According to a UN OCHA update, over one thousand cases of cholera have been reported, more than 90% are located in Beira. One death has been confirmed.

In an attempt to control the outbreak, 11 cholera treatment centres have been established – nine of which are operational. The World Health Organization (WHO) are also coordinating a vaccine campaign on 3rd April.

Over 900,000 doses of oral cholera vaccine are set to be distributed by the government and partners including UNICEF, Federation of the Red Cross, Médecins Sans Frontières and Save the Children.

The rapid rise of cholera in the area is likely due to damages on water and sanitation infrastructure, raising concerns of further spread.

WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Matshidiso Moeti, said:

“I saw the paediatric ward of Pontagera Health Centre had been completely destroyed, the roof had been torn off and the equipment and supplies ruined by water. We must do everything we can to protect the people of Mozambique from a disease outbreak or other health problems caused by lack of access to essential services.”

Nearly 100,000 homes have been affected by Cyclone Idai, with over half being completely destroyed; the rest are either partially destroyed or flooded.

The destruction caused by the cyclone has displaced 146,000 people across 155 sites, in the areas around Sofala, Manica, Zambezia and Tete.

Many of the shelters are schools. Approximately 3,300 classrooms are occupied by IDPs, the knock on effect of this means the disruption of learning for 150,000 children. The government is attempting to relocate these people to community centres.

Shelter materials have been received by those in the area, however, there are shortages on many items, and distribution is limited, due to the damage created by Cyclone Idai.

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Photo: Denis Onyodi: IFRC/DRK/Climate Centre