Attachments
The IFRC Disaster Response Emergency Fund (DREF) has approved a total of CHF 549, 807 for the implementation of the Cameroon Red Cross EAP for Cholera EAP. The approved amount consists of an allocation of CHF 290,185 for readiness and prepositioning and CHF 259,622 allocated to implement early actions once the defined triggers are met.
Cameroon faces recurrent cholera outbreaks, exacerbated by seasonal floods, inadequate WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) infrastructure, and rapid urbanization. Historical outbreaks, such as the 2021–2022 epidemic, which recorded 6,652 suspected cases and 132 deaths, highlight vulnerabilities in high-risk regions like Littoral, Southwest, and Center. Climate change and population displacement further amplify the risks, making early intervention crucial.
The Early Action Protocol (EAP) was developed collaboratively through multi-stakeholder workshops in 2024, involving the Cameroon Red Cross (CRC), the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Water and Environment, WHO, UNICEF, MSF, and other key partners. A comprehensive risk analysis was conducted to prioritize districts based on historical cholera incidence, vulnerability indices, and climatic factors, ensuring a targeted and effective response.
The protocol aims to support 2,500 households—approximately 13,500 people—living in 56 highrisk districts identified as cholera “hotspots.” These areas are characterized by poor access to WASH services, overcrowding, and high exposure to floods, making them particularly susceptible to outbreaks.
Impacts Addressed
The EAP seeks to mitigate the following risks:
• Mortality and morbidity caused by cholera and dehydration.
• Disruption of WASH infrastructure following floods.
• Delayed outbreak detection and uncontrolled community transmission.
To reduce the impact of cholera outbreaks, the protocol includes the following measures:
• WASH Interventions: Water purification, disinfection of households and public spaces, and hygiene promotion.
• Health Measures: Distribution of oral rehydration salts (ORS), training of local health workers on surveillance and case management.
• Community Engagement: Risk communication strategies and the implementation of gender-inclusive feedback mechanisms to enhance community participation.
The EAP is activated based on two types of triggers:
• Climatic Trigger (2-month lead time): Activation occurs when floods affect ≥2,000 people or when heavy rainfall (≥50mm/day for four consecutive days) is recorded.
• Surveillance Trigger (5-day lead time): The response is initiated when there are ≥5 community diarrhea alerts, ≥5 suspected cases per week, or one confirmed cholera case in adjacent districts.
Successful implementation of the protocol relies on:
• Timely data sharing from meteorological services and health authorities.
• Active community participation in surveillance and response efforts.
• The availability and viability of pre-positioned supplies, including chlorine and ORS.
The total budget for the EAP is 549,807 CHF. The plan is integrated with national disaster preparedness frameworks and supported by multi-sectoral coordination, ensuring a rapid and localized response to cholera threats.
By focusing on early detection, community mobilization, and cross-sector collaboration, this EAP aims to mitigate cholera outbreaks, reducing health and socioeconomic impacts on vulnerable populations.