For the past four months, Comoros have been grappling with a cholera epidemic that has already claimed 134 lives. To combat this health crisis, a vaccination campaign was launched on Thursday, June 13th, on the island of Anjouan, as announced by health authorities. Over 1,300 children received an oral vaccine dose on this island, which is the poorest and closest to the French department of Mayotte, where two cholera-related deaths have been recorded since March.
“The vaccine will provide immunity for six months and thus break the transmission chain,” explained Mohamed Anssoufouddine, regional health director. Anjouan, with approximately 330,000 inhabitants, is the most densely populated island in the Comoros, which has a total population of 870,000. Of the 134 deaths reported, 116 were recorded in Anjouan, according to the latest official health bulletin.
Since the disease was introduced in February by a ship from Tanzania, where cholera is endemic, the Union of the Comoros has reported 8,734 cholera cases. Mohamed Anssoufouddine, a cardiologist by training, stated, “We started by vaccinating students in schools, as the holidays are approaching.” Despite more than 270,000 vaccine doses being available, Hayiriat Bint Hakim, in charge of vaccination, noted that 379,000 doses would be needed to meet all requirements. The vaccination campaign is expected to last for five days.
The regional health director emphasized that “the vaccine is one measure among others to eradicate the epidemic. It could return if preventive measures, such as handwashing and access to clean water, are not adhered to.” Currently, less than 30% of the population has access to clean water, according to officials from the water distribution company.
Source: Le Monde
