Luanda – Antonio Morais, from Paraíso neighborhood in Cacuaco, without a doubt one of Luanda’s 9 municipalities, has witnessed pals and neighbours succumb to cholera. So, when Morais heard about an oral cholera vaccination advertising and marketing campaign as a part of Angola’s efforts to step up outbreak control, he was first in line to receive a vaccine. “I in actuality feel relieved, as I do know that vaccines put lives,” he says.
Extra than 1 million people enjoy been vaccinated in the three hardest-hit provinces in a 5-day advertising and marketing campaign to counterpoint the continuing public health measures to halt the unfold of the infectious disease.
Smartly being facilities and other public places such as markets, church buildings and colleges had been outdated as vaccination posts, whereas cell groups visited communities to be clear in fashion reach all the design thru the 3–7 February advertising and marketing campaign. At least ninety 9.5% of the targeted inhabitants got the vaccine in a drive led by the Ministry of Smartly being, with enhance from World Smartly being Organization (WHO), United Countries Adolescence’s Fund (UNICEF) and World Monetary institution.
Round 2000 groups had been deployed, collectively with health consultants and community volunteers, below the supervision of around 500 coordinators. In total, more than 6400 workers had been enthusiastic in regards to the operation, to be clear broad coverage and the success of the advertising and marketing campaign. As they conducted vaccinations, health workers supplied details on preventive measures, such perfect hygiene practices and promoted catch admission to to safe drinking water, which would be basic to combating contemporary cases.
Together with key partners such as UNICEF, World Monetary institution, Red Execrable, and the internal most sector, WHO supported the Government in procuring 978 000 vaccine doses thru the Worldwide Coordinating Community for Vaccine Provision, microplanning, guaranteeing ambiance pleasant useful resource allocation and vaccination coverage. The joint efforts additionally supported coaching almost 2000 vaccinators to pork up their capacity to administer the vaccine safely and successfully and supplied supportive supervision all the design thru the advertising and marketing campaign.
“In this fight against cholera, we acknowledge the role of our development partners and thank them for their unwavering cooperation and support, including WHO and other partners and friends, who have been strong allies in the fight to control this disease,” says Minister of Health Dr Silvia Lutucuta.
Oral cholera vaccines are an additional tool for cholera control, complementing others such as use of safe water, good hygiene, surveillance, and early treatment. As of 11 February 2025, 3047 cases and 180 deaths had been reported in eight provinces, with a case fatality rate (CFR) of 3.4%. During cholera outbreaks, a CFR lower than 1% is commonly considered as acceptable threshold.
“WHO congratulates the government leadership and reiterates its commitment to continue supporting Angola in its response to the cholera outbreak,” says Dr Zabulon Yoti, WHO Representative in Angola. “We will continue to collaborate with other UN agencies and partners, including the private sector, to support the government in developing sustainable initiatives that guarantee prevention, response, and protection of the population against cholera and other preventable diseases.”
WHO and key partners have also supported other aspects of the cholera response in Angola, facilitating the drafting of a National Cholera Response Plan, procuring medical supplies, strengthening the capacity of health professionals, distributing water treatment solutions, implementing basic sanitation measures and community mobilization.
Back in Paraíso, Morais has encouraged everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated. “With this vaccine, I know we’ll be better protected. With the availability of drinking water and if we all comply with basic sanitation measures, our community can resume activities and live without fear,” he says.
