Experts in the fight against cholera met in Yaounde last Friday to evaluate the draft document pending its final validation.

Cameroon has been hit by cholera epidemics for several decades. The most recent epidemic which began in the Far North Region on May 6, 2010 has already affected 10,759 people, killing 657 others. Statistics from the Ministry of Public Health reveal that from January 1 to October 26 2011, a total of 20,320 cases have been reported thus 745 cases for a mortality rate of 3,7 percent. Since September 2011, an increase has been recorded in certain regions of the country despite efforts. In order to render more efficient government’s efforts in the fight against cholera, a National Contingency Plan for the Prevention and Fight against Cholera has been drafted. The writing of the draft which began in July 2011 was being studied in Yaounde on Friday October 28. The event brought together representatives of international organisations, development partners and guests.

Speaking during the opening, the Secretary General in the Ministry of Public Health, Professor Fru Angwafo III, called on the participants to work hand-in-glove in order to come out with a quality document. The objectives of the national contingency plan for the prevention and fight against cholera are to reduce the rate of new infections and also reduce the mortality rate. It is also intended to improve access to drinking water, latrines, etc, in communities, and to mobilise finances necessary for putting in place the activities that have been planned. Professor Fru Angwafo III said an important aspect is the communication on personal hygiene and sanitation in the communities. He said if all basic hygiene rules are respected, it will help kick cholera out of Cameroon.