UNHCR calls for international help to stop cholera outbreak in Cameroon

Oct. 20 (EUROPA PRESS) –

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed its concern on Wednesday about the cholera outbreak that has taken place in the Minawao refugee camp, in Cameroon, and has requested urgent help from the international community.

So far, three people have lost their lives to cholera and more than 39 people have been registered as positive in the camp, according to a UNHCR statement.

“UNHCR is deeply saddened by the death of three refugees following the cholera outbreak in Minawao and I offer my sincere condolences to the affected families,” said the High Commissioner’s representative in Cameroon, Olivier Beer, assuring that UNHCR is working with the Cameroonian government to guarantee care for the sick and break the chain of transmission.

Cholera is transmitted by ingestion of contaminated food and water. To help contain the outbreak, UNHCR and health workers are training community relays in identifying and reporting suspected cases, closely monitoring close contacts, as well as disinfecting the homes of cases. suspects and the public spaces of the camp.

Efforts are also underway to urgently step up existing awareness campaigns on cholera and good hygiene practices in the camp, according to UNHCR.

However, efforts to rapidly improve water, hygiene and sanitation in Minawao are hampered by a lack of resources, as drinking water sources and sanitation infrastructure are insufficient for the growing population of the camp, which almost it has doubled, going from 40,000 inhabitants in 2015 to the current 75,000, as detailed by the High Commissioner.

The latest report details that 24 of the 39 patients were receiving treatment at Minawao health centers. According to medical staff handling the cases, the patients are in serious but stable condition. Twelve people have recovered and returned home.

“New funding is urgently needed to fill existing gaps in water, hygiene and sanitation, and reduce the risk of future outbreaks. UNHCR’s operation in Cameroon is critically underfunded, with only 28 per cent of financial needs for 2022 covered”, warned the High Commissioner in the letter.