Cholera: Early detection by Cameroon Red Cross volunteer helps limit epidemic
When an outbreak of cholera strikes, time is of the essence to limit its spread and save lives from this deadly disease. In the Far North region of Cameroon, discover how Red Cross epidemic preparedness efforts enabled the swift dete
When an outbreak of cholera strikes, time is of the essence to limit its spread and save lives from this deadly disease. In the Far North region of Cameroon, discover how Red Cross epidemic preparedness efforts enabled the swift detection and reporting of a cholera outbreak-helping to contain the outbreak and minimize its impact on communities.
In November 2024, Cameroon Red Cross volunteer, Rouyatou, from Maroua was going about her day when she received an urgent call from one of her neighbours, Habiba. She had suddenly developed stomach pain, acute diarrhea and was vomiting.
Rouyatou rushed to Habiba's house. Thanks to training she'd received from IFRC, Cameroon Red Cross and French Red Cross in community-based surveillance, Rouyatou knew how to recognize signs of different diseases and quickly report them using a digital tool on her phone called Nyss.
"When I saw Habiba, I had oral rehydration solution (ORS) with me, so I gave her a sachet and referred her to the nearest hospital. I also directly alerted my supervisor that it was a potential case of cholera," explains Rouyatou.
Upon receiving the alert, Rouyatou's supervisor called her to discuss Habiba's symptoms and immediately escalated the alert to local health authorities, triggering a rapid response to curb the spread of disease.
In the days that followed, Cameroon Red Cross teams formed an integral part of the cholera outbreak response-continuing to alert authorities to potential cases and conducting a wide range of activities to keep the community safe.
"We worked hard to raise awareness of the outbreak in the community-visiting people at their homes, mosques, water points, churches and markets and sharing messages over the radio. We told people about the importance of good hygiene and showed them how they could make their water safe to drink. We also conducted disinfection in homes around the neighbourhood," explains Ali Adoum, President of Maroua 3 District, Cameroon Red Cross.
Stronger, faster, closer, safer
In recent years, Cameroon has experienced repeated outbreaks of cholera, with the Far North region being one of the hardest hit areas. But with effective preparedness and response it's possible to minimize their impacts and stop them in their tracks.
Through the Programmatic Partnership with the European Union, the IFRC and French Red Cross have teamed up to make sure Cameroon Red Cross' epidemic preparedness capacity is stronger; outbreak response is faster; health assistance is closer to communities; and people are safer from disease outbreaks.
"The Far North region of Cameroon is prone to cholera epidemics due to communities' limited access to hygiene and sanitation facilities and the region's vulnerability to flooding. Through the programme, we thought it would be useful to train community volunteers to recognize and notify potential cholera cases in the community in good time, so that we can take action quickly to bring any epidemics under control," explains Chimne Kenmeugne Tchuente, Deputy Head of the Epidemic Preparedness pillar of the programme in Cameroon from French Red Cross.
In addition to training, the Programmatic Partnership had also provided handwashing equipment and cholera kits-consisting of oral rehydration serums, glucose serums and aquatabs for water disinfection-to local health workers prior to the outbreak, which were able to be quickly used in the response.
The epidemic may be over, but preparedness never stops
The November 2024 cholera outbreak in Maroua was contained within four weeks. Habiba, the first person to contract cholera in the outbreak, and who received support from Rouyatou, made a full recovery.
127 cases were ultimately recorded, with two confirmed deaths. While even one death from cholera is a great tragedy, local health authorities report that this epidemic likely would have been far worse, and claimed even more lives, had it not been for the Cameroon Red Cross:
"Thanks to the Red Cross, the cholera epidemic that broke out in the district was brought under control by the provision of medicines, logistical support, and the sensitization work by community volunteers in the neighbourhood. I'd like to thank the Red Cross for its support, for its swift and effective action, which really limited the damage in our district," says Dama Patrice, Head of Maroua 3 District Health Office.
Though the cholera epidemic was contained, Cameroon Red Cross volunteers continue regular sensitization efforts to keep people informed about a wide range of disease risks, making sure they know how to stay safe and keeping a close eye out for unusual health events.
Rouyatou puts it best:
"If we hadn't detected this case, just imagine.... The whole community would be suffering from this disease. I want the best for my community, and above all I want to see my community in good health. So, I am proud to volunteer."