Cholera : Fako Division records over 400 cases and 12 deaths

Over 400 cholera cases and 12 deaths have been reported in Fako Division, South West Region of Cameroon in just three days.

Hospitals in Limbe, Tiko and Buea are currently overwhelmed with hundreds of patients on treatment. Corridors and verandas have been transformed into make shift wards.

Following the cholera outbreak, the Governor of the South West Region, Benard Okalia Bilai has held a crisis meeting with health, municipal and other administrative authorities in the region to ensure the epidemic is effectively contained.

The Governor has set up a solitary fund to take care of the basic needs of the patients. Cameroon’s Oil Refinery , SONARA has pledged a contribution of FCFA 10million, while authorities of the Cameroon Development Corporation(CDC) have promised to provide medical supplies.

A committee to manage the solidarity fund has also been set up.

The cholera outbreak that began in January has been blamed on water insufficiency which has forced some inhabitants of the affected regions to rely on water from doubtful sources.

Open air defecation is a common practice in the South West Region, and accounts for the recurrent cholera outbreaks.

This is why Governor Okalia says homes in the region that do not have toilets must begin construction right away. Public toilets will also be constructed in some localities, neighborhoods and public spaces.

To prevent further infections , doubtful water sources have been ordered to close down. The Water Utility company, CAMWATER will begin supplying portable water to homes in the region.

Before now, over 2000 cholera  cases and 65 deaths were on record in five regions. The new cases now add to the already worrisome figures, but there are fears that the figures may continue rising.

Kathy Neba Sina