Helping to stop the spread of cholera

CERF | DRC | 2025

DR Congo, South Kivu. High in the green hills of Idjwi island, in the middle of Lake Kivu, Rachel’s life was turned upside down by an invisible enemy. The 7-year-old and three of her siblings contracted cholera and are now being treated at the Kihumba cholera centre.

“When I arrived, I was very tired. I couldn’t even walk,” she says softly. My stomach still hurts a bit, but I hope it gets better.”

South Kivu is among a number of provinces in DRC currently facing a cholera outbreak. Over 3,000 suspected cases were reported in South Kivu in the first five months of the year, making it one of the worst-affected areas in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Despite its isolation, Idjwi – known as the island of peace’ – has not been spared.

Thanks to UNICEF and community worker information sessions supported with funding from OCHA’s Central Emergency Response Fund and other donors, Rachel’s mother Riziki quickly recognized the signs of cholera.

It all started one morning with mild stomach pain. Within hours, her daughter’s symptoms worsened, and three of her siblings fell ill too. Riziki acted quickly. “When I saw how sick Rachel was, I didn’t wait,” she recounts. “I brought her here because I knew that if I waited, she might not survive.”

After four days in hospital, Rachel is slowly regaining her strength. Her biggest wish is to return to school. “I love French and reading,” she says. “One day, I want to become a doctor to help sick children like me.”

Posted June 2025

Lightly edited from an original story from UNICEF DRC

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