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Uganda: Cholera Outbreak - May 2013

Disaster description

On 18 Apr 2013, the Uganda Ministry of Health reported an outbreak of cholera in the eastern districts of Hoima, Nebbi and Buliisa. Since the beginning of 2013 the cumulative number of cases reported from the cholera affected districts has reached 216 cases and seven deaths. The overall case fatality rate nationally from these districts stands at 3.2%. It is estimated that 217,350 persons (38,128 households) in the affected sub-counties are at high risk of cholera infection during this outbreak, with a wider population of 900,500 people in the districts also seen as at risk due to the high mobility of people in the area. Many of the affected communities are fishing communities where lack of clean water coupled with poor sanitation and hygiene practices have contributed to the outbreak and spread of the disease. (IFRC, 15 May 2013)

This DREF operation enabled URCS to expand on its intervention and complement with enhanced awareness raising activities. The operation contributed to increased public awareness about cholera (signs and symptoms, transmission risk factors, actions for suspected cases, its prevention and control measures) for 900,500 people at risk in the affected districts. The intervention also contributed to improve early detection, reporting and referral of suspected cholera cases through community based disease surveillance mechanisms. In addition, the response improved access to safe water and awareness around sanitation and hygiene practices for 4,000 vulnerable families (18,700 people) in the affected areas, specifically around hand washing practices, use of latrines, drinking of aqua safe treated or boiled water.

A preliminary final report was issued on 2 June 2014 pending the final financial report which is now available. A balance of CHF 8,968 at the close of the operation will be returned to DREF. This final report contains a detailed outline of the activities implemented during the timeframe of the operation. (IFRC Final report, 19 Feb 2015)

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