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Uganda launches cholera vaccination targeting DR Congo refugees

Source: Xinhua   2018-05-04 00:35:27

KAMPALA, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Uganda has launched a cholera vaccination campaign to stem the outbreak of the disease that has left 45 Democratic Republic of the Congo refugees dead and over 2,000 others hospitalized.

The World Health Organization (WHO) in a statement issued on Thursday said the immunization drive that targets 360,000 people including refugees and locals is part of the efforts to control an ongoing cholera outbreak in Kyangwali and Kyaka refugee settlements.

The settlements located in the Midwestern districts of Hoima and Kyegegwa host thousands of Congolese refugees fleeing fighting back home.

"The Oral Cholera Vaccine is a key weapon in the fight against cholera. But it is important that other efforts such as improving water, sanitation and hygiene are stepped up, otherwise cholera will continue to haunt communities," said Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam, WHO Representative for Uganda.

The five-day exercise kicked off on Wednesday at the six hot spots of Kigorobya, Kabwoya and Buseruka sub counties, Kigorobya Town council and Kyangwali refugee settlement.

Cholera, according to WHO, is an acute diarrheal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium vibrio cholerae.

WHO recommends that vaccination against cholera be considered in emergencies and other high-risk scenarios where there are increased threats of outbreaks.

Uganda Red Cross said the influx of Congolese refugees has overwhelmed health facilities in the area and led to squalid conditions in the settlements, fueling the outbreak.

The humanitarian organization estimates that over 70,000 Congolese have fled to Uganda since the start of the year, 80 percent of whom are women and children.

The vaccination exercise will also be held in other parts of the country like Buliisa, Pakwach, Nebbi, Kasese, Ntoroko, Zombo, Moyo, Busia, Namayingo and Arua.

Editor: yan
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Uganda launches cholera vaccination targeting DR Congo refugees

Source: Xinhua 2018-05-04 00:35:27

KAMPALA, May 3 (Xinhua) -- Uganda has launched a cholera vaccination campaign to stem the outbreak of the disease that has left 45 Democratic Republic of the Congo refugees dead and over 2,000 others hospitalized.

The World Health Organization (WHO) in a statement issued on Thursday said the immunization drive that targets 360,000 people including refugees and locals is part of the efforts to control an ongoing cholera outbreak in Kyangwali and Kyaka refugee settlements.

The settlements located in the Midwestern districts of Hoima and Kyegegwa host thousands of Congolese refugees fleeing fighting back home.

"The Oral Cholera Vaccine is a key weapon in the fight against cholera. But it is important that other efforts such as improving water, sanitation and hygiene are stepped up, otherwise cholera will continue to haunt communities," said Yonas Tegegn Woldemariam, WHO Representative for Uganda.

The five-day exercise kicked off on Wednesday at the six hot spots of Kigorobya, Kabwoya and Buseruka sub counties, Kigorobya Town council and Kyangwali refugee settlement.

Cholera, according to WHO, is an acute diarrheal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium vibrio cholerae.

WHO recommends that vaccination against cholera be considered in emergencies and other high-risk scenarios where there are increased threats of outbreaks.

Uganda Red Cross said the influx of Congolese refugees has overwhelmed health facilities in the area and led to squalid conditions in the settlements, fueling the outbreak.

The humanitarian organization estimates that over 70,000 Congolese have fled to Uganda since the start of the year, 80 percent of whom are women and children.

The vaccination exercise will also be held in other parts of the country like Buliisa, Pakwach, Nebbi, Kasese, Ntoroko, Zombo, Moyo, Busia, Namayingo and Arua.

[Editor: huaxia]
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