Angola Red Cross and IFRC Address Cholera Crisis Through Safe Water Initiatives
The Angola Red Cross and IFRC are addressing a cholera outbreak in Angola that began in January 2025. Their initiatives include providing safe drinking water, training volunteers, and promoting hygiene practices to combat the disease’s spread. Despite vaccination efforts, challenges in sanitation and water access persist. Collaborative actions are vital to prevent future outbreaks and enhance community resilience against public health crises.
World Water Day 2025 highlights the critical efforts of the Angola Red Cross and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) in response to a cholera outbreak that began on January 7, 2025. Red Cross volunteers have played a pivotal role in delivering safe drinking water and disseminating hygiene practices essential to combating this waterborne disease. Their commitment is displayed through personal efforts, such as transporting water in buckets to assist those in need.
The cholera outbreak originated in Cacuaco, a suburb of Luanda, Angola’s capital, now affecting 14 provinces and numerous municipalities. The region has reported the highest incidence of the disease, with 3,788 cases recorded in Luanda solely. Catarina Laurinda, the response coordinator, emphasized the necessity of the oral cholera vaccine as part of a broader prevention strategy encompassing water treatment and hand hygiene.
The outbreak’s severity is exacerbated by inadequate sanitation and access to clean water, particularly in Cuanza Norte Province, where fatalities are on the rise. Since the onset of the outbreak, the Angola Red Cross has trained 478 volunteers across several provinces, empowering them to raise awareness about cholera. Public outreach has involved door-to-door campaigns and communication initiatives in schools and markets, focusing on cholera education and hygiene promotion.
Angola Red Cross volunteers have actively assisted in establishing hand-washing stations in critical community areas and provided treated water and cleaning solutions. They have distributed over 20,000 household water-treatment tablets to ensure safe drinking options. In addition, they monitor transmission routes and offer community-level treatment to manage cholera cases effectively.
In engaging with communities, volunteers prioritize fostering trust through contact with local leaders and sharing vital health information. Catarina Laurinda reiterated the importance of the oral cholera vaccine, which is being utilized in Angola for the first time alongside essential sanitation measures.
The overarching challenge remains preventing future cholera outbreaks. Alexandra Machado, IFRC’s public health coordinator, remarked on the avoidability of cholera given existing tools and knowledge. To promote against potential epidemics, IFRC aims to bolster community preparedness and response capabilities as part of its Ending Cholera Plan, emphasizing that water and sanitation services must be universally accessible regardless of emergency situations.
Naemi Heita, heading the IFRC’s Country Cluster office, pointed out that addressing the root causes of cholera necessitates a collaborative effort among governments, NGOs, and the private sector. Increased investment in health, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure is critical to fortifying communities against disasters and public health challenges.
The Angola Red Cross and IFRC’s efforts during the cholera outbreak underscore the importance of immediate action and community engagement in health crises. By providing treatment, education, and resources, they aim to combat the current outbreak while advocating for long-term solutions in water and sanitation infrastructure to prevent future epidemics. Collective action from stakeholders is essential in addressing the underlying causes of cholera, ensuring the health and safety of vulnerable populations.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
