Battling Cholera in Malambwe: World Vision's Lifesaving Response in DRC’s Haut-Katanga Province
By Tatiana Ballay, Communications Officer
Since the end of September 2024, a cholera epidemic has been declared in Malambwe, a village located in the Kasenga territory, in the province of Haut-Katanga, in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The first case was detected at the ‘La Gloire’ health centre on the Sembe site, leading to a rapid spread of the disease after the body of the deceased patient had been kept for several hours at the family home.
As of 3 November 2024, the total number of cholera cases in Malambwe has reached 306, with 33 patients currently hospitalised in the Cholera Treatment Centre (CTC). The number of deaths is 12, while 273 people have been cured and released from hospital. From 1st to 3rd November, a large number of new cases were reported, mainly from Minga, a locality located around 30 km from Malambwe.
World Vision, in collaboration with the local authorities and other partners, is continuing to provide medical and logistical support to contain the epidemic and protect the surrounding communities.
In response to this emergency, World Vision provided substantial support to strengthen the local health response. In coordination with the Lubumbashi cluster, the organisation transported around 2.5 tonnes of essential medicines and equipment, worth a total of USD 22,500, to the Malambwe health centre. These resources aimed at improving patient care and curbing the spread of the disease in the Lukafu Health Zone, under the supervision of head nurse Gilbert Lushinga and the Zone's Chief Medical Officer, Dr Firmin Muganza.
The supplies delivered include a full range of medical products and equipment essential to the fight against cholera, in particular Ringer Lactate solution, glucose serum, plasters, infusion kits, 100 mg doxycycline capsules, granular chlorine for disinfection, disposable aprons, examination gloves, rapid cholera screening tests, liquid disinfectant, toilet paper, body bags, and many other essential items to reinforce prevention measures in the community.
At the same time, 10 chlorination points have been set up to disinfect the water and limit the spread of the epidemic within the community. These points are equipped with parasols, tables and chairs, as well as sprays for disinfecting households. The hygienists mobilised are wearing protective equipment, including masks and boots, to ensure their safety while carrying out disinfection operations.
The official donation ceremony took place on 26 October 2024, in the presence of Samuel Djesse, Director of World Vision DRC's South Zone, John Kambole, Cluster Manager for Lubumbashi, and the local authorities. In addition, World Vision is committed to training hygienists, community relays, and faith leaders to strengthen awareness-raising and prevention activities. This initiative includes support for those working on the ground, in order to optimise the response to the epidemic and mobilise the community on a long-term basis in this fight.
This intervention marks a crucial step in containing the epidemic and strengthening local health capacity in Malambwe. World Vision continues to work alongside local partners, such as Jambo Farm, the provincial government and Médecins Sans Frontières, to provide logistical support and essential resources with the aim of restoring health security and preventing future epidemics.