Mozambique Reports 9,000 Cholera Cases & Vaccination Challenges

The health authorities in Mozambique have reported a significant surge in cholera cases, with approximately 9,000 cases recorded across seven provinces. The country’s Minister of Health, Armindo Tiago, stated that the lack of sufficient vaccines has resulted in emergency prevention measures being implemented in areas experiencing outbreaks. Nampula is the province most affected, with 3,000 cases and 12 deaths, followed by Tete with 1,853 cases and six deaths. Other affected provinces include Niassa, Cabo Delgado, Zambézia, Manica, and Sofala, with a total of 30 deaths since October. As part of the response, a vaccination campaign has been launched targeting 2.2 million individuals in affected areas. However, the authorities are facing challenges due to misinformation, particularly in rural regions. Misinformation has previously led to fatalities, with local leaders and health technicians being targeted on allegations of spreading cholera. Cholera is a treatable disease but can be fatal if not addressed promptly. It primarily spreads through the consumption of contaminated food and water caused by poor sanitation infrastructure. Mozambique is particularly vulnerable to the disease due to its vulnerability to climate change, which hampers the implementation of necessary infrastructure and preventive measures. The World Health Organization has warned that by 2025, there will be a shortage of cholera vaccines globally, putting one billion people across 43 countries at risk. Mozambique has been identified as one of the countries most susceptible to this threat.