Doctors Are Teaming Up To Combat The Waterborne Disease

The World Health Organization has begun a campaign of cholera vaccinations in Mozambique, to try and combat against the deadly disease that spreads through contaminated water. The disease has effected thousands of lives in the wake of a deadly cyclone in the south eastern African nation, and one person has been reported as a fatality.

Now, doctors and the WHO are working to vaccinate many of the inhabitants in order to prevent further spreading and contamination. While Cholera is easily treated, natural disasters tend to magnify the effects of the disease.

This is due in part to flooding, which can spread Cholera already existing in farmlands and villages. Refugees grouping together can also exacerbate it and concentrations of the disease can multiply.

Cyclone Adai struck in late March, so the WHO is scrambling to prevent further outbreaks by issuing over 900,000 doses of the vaccine to the country. Many of the vaccines are provided by the GAVI Alliance, who aim to promote the use of vaccinations in impoverished nations.

CEO Dr. Seth Berkley states that contaminated floodwaters and damage to sewage and infrastructure have caused enough harm to the region, and hopes that the vaccines will help stem the misery caused by Adai. A major outbreak in the wake of a cyclone could cost millions of lives. This is a nation that has suffered five years of Cholera outbreaks, so they are in need of help now more than ever.