February 2002 - Cholera has reached epidemic levels in the southern Katagana region of the DRC. Already 407 people have died out of the 5,021cases reported since November. Action Against Hunger, along with other humanitarian organizations, has been providing support and assistance in the affected zones. The main zones include Kinkondja, Kikula, Dilala and Bukama in the southern Katagana. 19 out of the 34 health zones have been affected by cholera.
Cholera is an infection caused by contaminated food or water ingestion, and characterized by watery diarrhea. Deaths are a result of severe dehydration. Cholera usually occurs in epidemic proportions when there is poor sanitation, famine, crowding and war such as the DRC. Action Against Hunger has been taking preventive measures to avoid further exposure of cholera by ensuring there is clean water and food distribution.