USAID steps up to aid Tanzania in fight against cholera

TANZANIA—In response to a plea from the Ministry of Health, USAID has allocated TSH 480 million(US$ 186,046) to assist the communities hardest hit in Tanzania, while the CDC has supported the deployment of health professionals from the Field Epidemiology and Laboratory Training Program to six regions.

This collective aid aims to bolster health education on water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) practices, encourage prompt seeking of care by the sick, facilitate household assessments of WASH practices, and enhance the distribution of water purification tablets.

USAID’s ongoing commitment of US$50 million, with a focus on improving water infrastructure and promoting community awareness regarding access to safe water, has provided over two million Tanzanians with access to safe water and improved sanitation.

In 2024, USAID will commence the construction of new water systems and sewage treatment facilities to extend clean water access to more people, while simultaneously building capacity for the management and maintenance of existing water, sanitation, and hygiene projects.

During a recent ceremony, U.S. Ambassador to Tanzania Michael Battle reaffirmed the United States’ unwavering commitment to its partnership with the Tanzanian government and expressed solidarity with Tanzania in its battle against the disease.

He emphasized that cholera, though deadly, is preventable, and underscored the importance of joint efforts in preventing the disease and saving Tanzanian lives.

Since September 2023, Tanzania has grappled with a surge in cholera cases, with more than 2,500 cases and 46 fatalities reported.

Initial assessments conducted in early January 2024 by the National Society (NS) disaster management and health department had identified Mwanza, Simiyu, Kagera, Ruvuma, Geita, and Tabora regions as afflicted by cholera.

These cholera epidemics struck multiple regions in Tanzania, exacerbated by heavy rainfall associated with the El Niño season, inadequate access to potable water, and insufficient sanitation facilities, compounded by low community awareness.

Volunteers have been conducting initial assessments, managing cases, and collaborating with regional medical officers.

This outbreak, affecting 18 regions, represents the fourth-highest case count and third-highest fatality rate in the past four decades.

While the Ministry of Health’s response has mitigated infections, seven regions have declared an end to the surge, leaving 12 regions still contending with active outbreaks, notably Simiyu, Shinyanga, and Mwanza.

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