A family and a cholera fighting kit in Sierra Leone. © CARE / Tim FrecciaThe cholera epidemic in Sierra Leone has eased and, for the fourth week, a decreasing number of new cases were reported. The situation is improving. Fewer people are being diagnosed, and fewer are dying. Our efforts to manage and contain the deadly disease are reaping results.
The number of affected districts remains unchanged: 12 out of 13 in Sierra Leone. Although the Western Area of the country continues to report the highest number of cases (73) this is a decrease from last week’s figures.
Radio jingles to prevent cholera
CARE Sierra Leone continues to respond quickly and efficiently to the cholera outbreak in the areas where it operates – Bombali, Tonkolili, Kambia and Koinadugu. To date 56, 996 people have benefitted directly from our cholera fighting tools distributions and hygiene promotion. Radio jingles and panel discussion broadcasts on key cholera prevention messages have reached an estimated 768, 130 people. An additional number of hygiene kits for 5,100 families are ready for immediate distribution.
CARE donated a water treatment unit to the Kabala District Health Management Team for use in the Kabala Hospital. Coupled with the effort to address the general water needs of the hospital, this water treatment unit will specifically ensure access to safe water by the Cholera Treatment Unit presently operated by CARE’s partner, Medicos del Mundo.
Prevention with local football teams
In the coming weeks CARE will focus on high risk, urban areas to scale up its emergency response and to reach more people. We will spread vital information on how to prevent the disease. We will distribute cholera prevention kits at prisons, mining towns and schools. Cholera campaigns with local football teams are also planned across the districts.
A phone line has been created so people we work with can provide feedback or complaints. This hotline is manned 24 hours by a dedicated staff member in Freetown. The phone number is publicised at community meetings, on radio shows and via CARE project banners.
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