Angola launches cholera vaccination campaign to protect over 1M people

ANGOLA— The Angolan Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the World Bank, has launched a mass vaccination campaign against cholera.

The initiative aims to immunize around one million people, including both children and adults, in the provinces of Luanda, Bengo, and Icolo e Bengo.

Scheduled for February 3rd and 4th, the campaign is part of an emergency response to the ongoing cholera outbreak.

The goal is to curb the spread of the disease and strengthen community protection.

Alongside vaccination, authorities will run awareness campaigns to promote preventive measures such as good hygiene practices and access to clean drinking water—both crucial in stopping the transmission of cholera.

According to Dr. Quaresma, WHO’s immunization officer, the campaign targets the most affected areas, with a goal of reaching at least 80% of the eligible population.

 This translates to approximately 977,800 people in Cacuaco, Sequele, and Dande municipalities.

To ensure accessibility, vaccines will be administered at health facilities, churches, markets, schools, and other key locations.

Additionally, mobile teams will visit communities to reach those unable to travel to vaccination sites.

To execute this large-scale operation, 1,974 teams which comprises of healthcare workers and community volunteers will be deployed under the supervision of 508 coordinators.

In total, more than 6,400 people will be involved in the campaign to maximize coverage and ensure success.

Health officials emphasize that all individuals aged one year and older, including those who have previously contracted cholera, should receive a dose of the oral cholera vaccine.

While the vaccine is a critical tool in controlling the outbreak, experts stress that vaccination alone is not enough to eliminate the disease.

It must be complemented by other preventive actions, such as using safe water, practicing good hygiene, and ensuring proper sanitation.

Cholera is both preventable and controllable. Simple habits—such as drinking only treated or boiled water, washing hands with soap and water, cooking food thoroughly, and properly disposing of waste—are essential in reducing the risk of infection.

By combining vaccination with these measures, Angola can take a significant step toward overcoming this public health crisis.

Community participation is vital to the success of this effort. Every vaccinated individual contributes to collective immunity, helping to protect the entire population and save lives.

The cholera vaccine is safe, free, and highly effective. Health officials urge everyone in the affected areas to get vaccinated and join the fight against the disease.

The urgency of this response is underscored by the current outbreak, which has affected multiple provinces, including Luanda, Bengo, Icolo e Bengo, Kwanza Norte, Zaire, Huambo, Huíla, and Malanje.

As of February 1, 2025, Angola has recorded 1,584 cases and 59 deaths. Given the rising numbers, swift action is necessary to prevent further spread and protect the population.

Sign up HERE to receive our email newsletters with the latest news and insights from Africa and around the world, and follow us on our WhatsApp channel for updates.

Newer Post

Thumbnail for Angola launches cholera vaccination campaign to protect over 1M people

A MIRACLE IN A DISH: The Power of IVF and the Future of the Family

Older Post

Thumbnail for Angola launches cholera vaccination campaign to protect over 1M people

Acorn Research unveils AI Healthcare Innovation Lab at Arab Health 2025

Be the first to leave a comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.