UNICEF and Partners Respond to the Cholera Outbreak in Central African Republic

NEW YORK (August 12, 2016) – At least 16 people have died in the first cholera outbreak in the Central African Republic (CAR) since 2011. The outbreak was declared by the national authorities on August 10. 66 cases, including at least seven children, are recorded along the Oubangui River.

“Young children, especially those under five years of age, are particularly vulnerable to this deadly disease,” said Mohammed Malick Fall, UNICEF Representative in CAR. “We need to act quickly to ensure this easily preventable disease is not taking more lives.”

Cholera is an acute diarrheal disease caused by ingestion of food or water that has been contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholera, which is found in fecal matter.

The outbreak started in Djoukou, in Kemo district, a hard-to-reach area located approximately 100 kilometers up the river from the capital Bangui. Communities in this area have little or no access to clean water and use the Oubangui River as their primary source of water. Some of those areas are very difficult, if not impossible, to access by road. Affected people traveling in overcrowded boats have carried the bacteria downstream. 

In collaboration with the Ministry of Health and partners, UNICEF is providing medicine, clean water, water purification tablets and hygiene kits to the affected communities.

In addition, community mobilizers in the affected areas are educating the public on prevention measures such as drinking only safe water, washing hands with soap, eating cooked food and avoiding open defecation. Community mobilization is key to prevent the spread of the disease since most of the affected villages have no access to electricity or telephone network.

About UNICEF
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) works in more than 190 countries and territories to put children first. UNICEF has helped save more children’s lives than any other humanitarian organization, by providing health care and immunizations, clean water and sanitation, nutrition, education, emergency relief and more. The U.S. Fund for UNICEF supports UNICEF's work through fundraising, advocacy and education in the United States. Together, we are working toward the day when no children die from preventable causes and every child has a safe and healthy childhood. For more information, visit www.unicefusa.org.

For more information, contact:
Sophie Aziakou, U.S. Fund for UNICEF, 917.720.1397, saziakou@unicefusa.org