I have been back in Freetown for one week now and the word I hear most
on most people’s lips is cholera.
Why? Unfortunately Sierra Leone
is in the grip of a cholera epidemic which has prompted the government to
declare a national emergency. Sierra Leone is not alone as this is a problem
spreading across West Africa.
Although many of us have heard of cholera, if only in the title of a
novel or on the list of possible vaccinations before an exotic holiday, we may
not be so clear on the facts so here is a short guide:
·
Cholera is a bacterial disease usually spread
through contaminated water.
·
It causes acute diarrhoea, vomiting and
dehydration.
·
Left untreated, cholera can be fatal in a matter
of hours even in previously healthy people.
·
Cholera is easily treated. Death results from
severe dehydration that can be prevented with a simple and inexpensive
rehydration solution.
As of August 28th, there had been over 14,000 recorded
cases and 232 deaths which in terms of numbers infected is the country’s worst
ever outbreak. Sierra Leone is
struggling to rebuild water and sanitation systems a decade after a devastating
civil war. It is reported that only about 40% of people have access to a
private or shared latrine, and that up to seven families can often share one lavatory.
There has been a big push to sensitise people to the dangers of cholera
with messages throughout the media. My
mobile phone is provided by Airtel who have been sending this regular text
message: “Always wash hands with soap and water after using the toilet, before
eating and after caring for a sick person”
Cholera treatment centres are being set up throughout the country with
the help of funds from donors, including DfID for the UK who has pledged £2
million, and NGOs on the ground in Sierra Leone. Hopefully, this means that we will soon see a
slowdown in the spread of cholera and focus can be placed on improving water
and sanitation to ensure this is the last cholera epidemic in this country.
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