Chad has received 1,120,295 doses of the cholera vaccine, which are being deployed in the eastern region as part of a targeted vaccination campaign. The government has urged residents to adhere strictly to hygiene and sanitation measures to help curb the spread of the disease.
The first cholera case in the current outbreak was reported on July 13 at the Dougui refugee camp in the eastern Ouaddai region, which hosts approximately 20,000 Sudanese refugees.
Cholera remains a significant public health concern in Africa, with the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention reporting that 23 affected countries have recorded a total of 239,754 cases and over 5,274 deaths since the beginning of this year, according to Xinhua news agency.
The World Health Organization (WHO) identifies cholera as an acute diarrheal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, typically transmitted through contaminated food or water. The disease underscores ongoing social and economic inequalities, as access to safe water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) is essential for prevention.
Most cholera cases are mild or moderate and can be effectively treated with oral rehydration solution (ORS). Severe cases require prompt administration of intravenous fluids, ORS, and antibiotics to prevent fatal outcomes. Robust epidemiological and laboratory surveillance is critical for early detection, outbreak monitoring, and response planning.
Cholera outbreaks are influenced by limited access to safe water and sanitation, poor hygiene practices, population displacement, conflict, and climate-related events such as floods, droughts, or cyclones. In 2023, WHO reported 535,321 cholera cases and 4,007 deaths across 45 countries, though actual figures may be higher due to underreporting.
Strengthening public health infrastructure, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation, and maintaining effective vaccination campaigns are essential steps toward controlling cholera outbreaks and reducing associated mortality.
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