Water Is Life . . . So They Say.

City of Bukavu Surrounded by Lake Kivu

South Kivu Cholera Outbreak

May 24, 2023

Reported by Danny Magadju

Photojournalist / Staff of Radio Kahuzi / BESI

Bukavu, D R Congo

The Province of South Kivu is currently facing an outbreak of Cholera. It is a severe and potentially fatal diarrheal disease caused by a lack of clean drinking water or food contaminated by Vibrio Choleric bacteria. Over the past few weeks, the Province has recorded more than two hundred (200) cases of deadly Cholera, including eight (8) deaths. This is alarming.

 
According to the Provincial Division of Health (DPS), the commune of Kadutu in Bukavu is the most affected, with more than seventy (70) cases.

This cholera outbreak is likely due to the sewage contaminated water that many of the households used during the REGIDESO water shortage, contaminated by human waste. The region often lacks an adequate sanitation system.

Faced with this situation, the health authorities of the province have taken measures to contain the spread of the disease. Medical teams have been mobilized to provide care to people with cholera and educate communities on the importance of hygiene practices such as hand washing and drinking safe drinking water.

Emergency measures must be strengthened to provide medical assistance and health education so that people have knowledge to prevent the spread of cholera. This cholera outbreak is an urgent reminder of the importance of access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation.

It is crucial that the government, through REGIDESO and other organizations, invest in the the provision of safe drinking water and good sanitary conditions to prevent epidemics and protect public health.

Bukavu DRC

May 24 , 2023