MSF has set up cholera treatment programmes in the West African countries of Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Nigeria following multiple outbreaks. Although cholera is endemic in the region, far more cases than usual are being reported in these four neighboring countries.
Cholera is a bacterial infection that leads to severe watery diarrhea and vomiting. Treatment is simple: fluid loss is compensated for with a salt and sugar-based rehydration serum, administered either orally or by intravenous infusion. “Due to rapid dehydration, cholera can lead to death within hours. It needs to be treated fast”, explains Issiaka Abou, MSF head of mission for Chad.
The first cases of cholera were reported in early May in Cameroon, and since have been reported in areas in all four countries. In July, there was an alarming increase in the number of people suffering from the illness, and MSF has scaled up its response accordingly.
MSF has been supporting cholera treatment centres in existing hospitals, as well as setting up oral rehydration points in affected localities. Outreach activities such as water chlorination and community education are ongoing to prevent the spread of the disease. We are monitoring the situation and continue to expand our activities into more of the most affected areas.