Angola Red Cross Allies with IFRC to Combat Cholera Through Safe Water Initiatives
In response to a cholera outbreak in Angola, the Angola Red Cross, supported by the IFRC, has mobilized volunteers to provide safe water and hygiene education. Training 478 volunteers, efforts include distributing water treatment tablets and promoting sanitation practices. The initiative aims to not only manage the outbreak but also prevent future occurrences through community engagement and investment in infrastructure.
As cholera outbreaks escalate in Angola, the Angola Red Cross, in collaboration with the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), has mobilized volunteers to provide safe drinking water and essential hygiene education to affected communities. This initiative commenced after the outbreak was confirmed on January 7, 2025, primarily in the densely populated Cacuaco area of Luanda Province, affecting 14 provinces and 57 municipalities.
With Luanda reporting the highest number of cases, reaching 3,788, the efforts of Angola Red Cross volunteers include distributing water in buckets for hydration solutions and ensuring adequate access to safe drinking water. Catarina Laurinda, the response coordinator for the Red Cross, emphasized the significance of combining oral cholera vaccination with preventative measures like water treatment and sanitation practices.
To address the escalating crisis attributed to poor sanitation and inadequate clean water access, the Angola Red Cross has trained 478 volunteers across six provinces. These volunteers actively disseminate knowledge about cholera prevention through community outreach in schools and public venues and assist in establishing sanitation facilities.
The initiative includes the distribution of over 20,000 household water-treatment tablets, effectively mitigating risks associated with contaminated water. Volunteers also track cholera transmission routes while providing oral rehydration therapies at the community level for those affected by the disease.
Engagement with local communities is crucial for the cholera vaccination campaign, as volunteers collaborate with traditional leaders to promote trust and awareness of hygiene practices. Alexandra Machado, the public health coordinator for the IFRC, noted the necessity of robust preparatory measures to prevent future outbreaks, advocating for the development of sustainable water and sanitation services.
The IFRC’s Ending Cholera Plan seeks to address systemic issues, urging cooperation among governments and organizations to enhance investments in essential infrastructures. Naemi Heita of the IFRC calls for a united front to tackle the root causes of cholera, underscoring the importance of resilience against disasters and climate change.
The response to the cholera outbreak in Angola exemplifies the critical role of community involvement and the importance of comprehensive health measures, including vaccination and education on hygiene. Ongoing efforts by the Angola Red Cross and the IFRC aim to not only manage the current crisis but also to facilitate resilience against future outbreaks through improved water and sanitation infrastructure. Effective collaboration among multiple sectors is essential to end cholera as a public health concern in the region.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
