Update

CHF 238,333 has been allocated from IFRC’s Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF) to support the Central African Republic Red Cross National Society (CAR RC) in delivering immediate assistance to some 300,000 families, i.e. about 1,500,000 beneficiaries. Unearmarked funds to repay DREF are encouraged.

Summary: Since week 37 of 2011 (middle of September 2011), cases of diarrhoea were registered in the Sékia Moté, Bokélo, Mondoli, Monza, Bokassi, Nzinga and Sedale villages located South-West of Bangui, the capital of the Central African Republic (CAR). In response to the registered cases, tests conducted by the “Laboratoire National de Biologie Clinique et de Santé Publique” and confirmed by the “Institut Pasteur de Bangui” have revealed that the diarrhoea was caused by cholera. As of week 39, health authorities in the country were announcing a cumulative 51 cases of cholera and 11 deaths; i.e. a 22% lethality rate, with 7 cholera patients admitted in the reference hospitals of the country. Although not confirmed, the epidemic is now reported to have spread to the city of Bangui. The disease is fast progressing and the CAR RC believes that if action is not taken immediately, many more lives will be lost. Government declared the epidemic officially on 30 September 2011 and activated its standing committee for epidemiological surveillance, epidemic preparedness and response, which is currently finalizing the national response plan. During a crisis meeting that was organized on 5 October 2011, the Minister of Health appealed to national and international partners to assist with the response. With this DREF allocation, the CAR RC intends to contribute to reducing morbidity and mortality associated with the cholera epidemic through emergency health activities aimed at promotion of good hygiene practices and raising awareness about cholera risks, prevention and treatment to 300,000 families in the affected areas.

This operation is expected to be implemented over 3 months, and will therefore be completed by 13 January, 2012; a Final Report will be made available three months after the end of the operation (by 13 April, 2012).