Angola’s cholera crisis: Is data training enough to stop the outbreak?

The World Health Organization (WHO) is supporting the initiative in collaboration with Angola’s Ministry of Health.

According to Dr. Zabulon Yoti,WHO’s Acting Representative in Angola,the training aims to improve disease surveillance, case mapping, and data analysis.

In a bid to curb the rising cholera outbreak, more than 20 data management professionals have been trained in Luanda.

The training is part of a nationwide effort to control and eradicate the deadly disease currently ravaging parts of the country.

“The Ministry of Health, with WHO’s support, is empowering data experts with crucial skills,” Dr. Yoti stated.

“This training will enhance our response by strengthening case detection and ensuring accurate surveillance,” he added.

He further noted that the capacity being built would extend beyond the cholera outbreak, improving overall data management in the country’s health system.

Health authorities are optimistic that the newly trained professionals will boost data collection and surveillance in Luanda, which remains the epicentre of the outbreak.

Speaking on the development, Angola’s National Director of Public Health, Dr. Helga Freitas, reiterated the importance of data management in controlling the outbreak.

“These professionals will play a key role in case detection, data analysis, and response coordination.

“Strong surveillance efforts are crucial in guiding strategies and ensuring an effective response to cholera,” she said.

Cholera continues to pose a major public health challenge in Angola, particularly in crowded urban areas.

As of March 20, the country has recorded over 7,950 cases and 298 deaths across 14 provinces. The fatality rate stands at 3.8%.

Luanda, Bengo, and Icole e Bengo account for 95% of all cases, with Luanda being the worst affected.

The province alone has recorded 52% of total cases and deaths since the outbreak began.

Experts attribute the rapid spread of the disease to high population density and poor sanitation.

Strengthening surveillance and data management is seen as a key strategy in combating the epidemic.

One of the newly trained professionals, Rosa Agostinho, expressed excitement about the opportunity.

“This training is a game-changer, with improved technical skills, we can better collect, analyze, and use cholera data for a more effective response,” she said.

The WHO, alongside partners such as UNICEF, the Red Cross, and the World Bank, is actively supporting Angola’s fight against cholera.

Their interventions include training health workers, providing water treatment solutions, improving sanitation, and conducting vaccination campaigns.

Cholera is caused by Vibrio cholerae,a bacterium transmitted through contaminated water or food.

The disease can be prevented through proper sanitation, hygiene, timely treatment, and vaccination.

Health experts emphasize the need for urgent multi-sectoral collaboration to contain the outbreak and prevent further loss of lives.

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