OCHA Regional Update No. 4 - Cholera/Acute Watery Diarrhea Outbreaks in Southern Africa, 23 Jan 2009

REGIONAL CONTEXT

At present, nine countries in the Southern Africa region are reporting cholera cases. Trans-border infections have been recorded and cholera is becoming endemic (recurrent throughout the year) in most of the affected countries. Socioeconomic vand political factors, growing urbanization, population movement and lack of appropriate response are aggravating factors. There are concerns that, with the rainy season, the disease will spread even further.

Zimbabwe continues to remain the most critical situation, with more than 46,000 reported cholera cases, or an increase of over 11,000 cases since the last update, two weeks ago. The epidemic also further spread in South Africa (more than 3,500 additional cases in two weeks), Zambia (508 additional cases) and Malawi (312 additional cases). Namibia and Swaziland, not included in previous reports, are also affected by the outbreak. One suspected case is under investigation in Madagascar whilst no cholera is currently reported in Comoros and Seychelles.

As the situation is not expected to improve in the immediate future, partners increasingly feel the need for a proper analysis of the risk factors, definition of possible scenarios and identification of regional priorities for preparedness and response interventions in the short medium and long term.