Lots of mines but not enough drinking water: Katanga and the fight against cholera - Note on cholera in Katanga - March 2, 2015

In 2006, a study conducted by a Congolese professor identified eight cities in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of Congo as most affected by cholera. This survey noted that most of the outbreaks were registered along the lakes, which led to the establishment of the national Plan for the eradication of cholera.

Nine years later, cholera has established itself as a health priority. In many towns and villages, cholera is a recurrent reality, affecting thousands of people each year. In Katanga, this disease is endemic in Kalemie, a city on the banks of Lake Tanganyika. The lake is the main source of water for thousands of people in Kalemie. It is also the main vector of the disease.

In the mining province of Katanga, cholera is wreaking havoc. From 2012 to 2014, over 31,370 cases [6,930 cases in 2012, 13,700 cases in 2013 and 9,180 cases in 2014] have been registered in the province, and 843 individuals have died over that period. In 2013, Katanga registered twice as many cases of cholera as all the other provinces of DRC combined. The District of Lubumbashi, which registered some 50 % of the cases of the province in 2013, was «superseded » in 2014 by the District of Upper-Lomami (45% of cases). Despite efforts made, Katanga remains very much affected.