The risk for cholera in developing countries remains a major challenge. North- and South Kivu provinces in Eastern Congo around the Great Lakes feature a global hot spot with regard to cholera and other water bourne diseases.
Most important causes for the appearance of cholera include poor water quality, low coverage with sanitation, inadequate hygiene, and adverse climatic conditions. The disease is spread through migration of people, it occurs often in overpopulated places, in markets, and in religious gatherings.
Any activity to alleviate causes of cholera in Eastern Congo is further challenged by the socio-economic and politically very fragile environment around the Kivu’s. The region has a long history of war and conflict, low health infrastructure, and almost no institutional capacity.
Goal of this assignment is to identify areas at highest risk with regard to water bourne diseases, setting up of a proper water quality monitoring system including laboratory, promote water desinfection and eventually contribute to better health and living standard of the local population.
Mandated by Swiss Humanitarian Aid, Lucas Beck elaborates together with epidemiologist Claudio Valsangiacomo from SUPSI the intervention strategy for the next couple of years. Contributions and collaboration is planned with the Global Cholera Task Force in NYC, WHO, local NGO’s and Expertise of Swiss experts.
