SADC, the Southern African Development Community, is concerned about the worsening cholera outbreak in some countries in the region. The DRC, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Tanzania and South Africa are some of the countries affected. The organisation is looking for measures to respond to the spread of the disease.
Health ministers from the Southern African Development Community analysed the epidemiological situation of the cholera outbreak that is affecting some SADC countries on Saturday, 27 January in Luanda.
Angolan doctor Sílvia Lutucuta, chair of the SADC Committee of Health Ministers, said that during the discussions, the organisation outlined mechanisms and undertook to implement a strategic prevention plan to stop the spread of the disease.
“During our discussions, we consolidated a robust strategic plan focused on prevention, preparedness and rapid response to the cholera outbreak, based on the needs and identity in our regions. This plan is multi-sectoral, based on the vision of one health, and includes immediate actions to contain current outbreaks and implement a lasting mechanism to prevent future epidemics based on evidence and innovative interventions,” she explained.
The Angolan Minister of Health also emphasised that the member countries had agreed to carry out an evaluation of post-epidemic recovery measures, with the aim of responding to future epidemics.
“In addition, we agreed to make a careful assessment of the post-epidemic recovery measures of the affected countries, recognising the importance of identifying good practices, gaps in our strengths and opportunities to improve coordination and mutual support of member states,” concluded Sílvia Lutucuta.
According to SADC, in the last two years the region has seen recurrent outbreaks of cholera, also influenced by climate change.
Lusa
