On 16 January 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) in South Africa, was notified by the National Department of Health (NDoH) of two newly laboratory confirmed instances of cholera within the Limpopo Province. These have been from Musina and Blouberg Sub-districts in Vhembe and Capricorn Districts respectively. From 17-20 January 2024, in a swift and decisive transfer, WHO via its Emergency Preparedness and Response (EPR) cluster, joined NDoH, and the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) as a part of the nationwide crew that performed a assist go to to evaluate and improve readiness and response to cholera. The evaluation was collectively performed with the provincial well being counterparts. This was in recognition of the potential danger for additional unfold of cholera, each regionally and throughout borders.
As of 20 January 2024, South Africa reported three laboratory confirmed imported cholera instances. These comprised of two instances in Limpopo and one extra case which was reported later from Gauteng province. All instances had latest journey historical past to Zimbabwe.
The nationwide crew assessed varied pillars together with coordination, surveillance, case administration, water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), an infection prevention management (IPC), and danger communication and group engagement (RCCE) within the readiness and response to cholera at provincial, affected districts, and well being facility tiers.
Among the challenges noticed within the area included the necessity for strengthening triaging, medical waste administration at well being facility stage, and rubbish administration at group stage. As well as, the nationwide crew acknowledged the necessity to intensify Info, Schooling, and Communication (IEC) supplies in native languages, enhancing WASH and a crucial have to strengthen cross border collaboration.
WHO’s swift involvement and participation within the nationwide crew’s response to cholera instances in Limpopo, demonstrated continued willingness, dedication, and assist to work with the NDoH and companions, to handle the chance of Cholera and different public well being emergencies within the nation.