Since August 2022, Ethiopia has experienced alarming cholera cases in Oromia and Somali regions. To address the outbreak, the World Health Organization Ethiopia is working with the Ministry of Health and Ethiopian Public Health Institute to provide treatment, reduce fatalities, and limit the disease's spread.

The Ethiopian Public Health Institute has reported that the Goro Woreda area of Bale Zone in Oromia has seen more than 400 cases and four deaths due to cholera between March and April 2023. In response to this outbreak, a surge team of multidisciplinary experts were deployed by WHO Ethiopia, which included epidemiologists, medical doctors, water and sanitation specialists, and risk communication and community engagement experts.

The surge team focused on increasing the capacity of Goro Hospital and Butal Health Center to establish cholera treatment centres (CTCs) that meet established standards. They trained over 150 individuals in disease management, hygiene practices, and awareness-raising, including health workers, community volunteers, and leaders. Additionally, the team distributed hygiene products and water treatment chemicals to 235 households and provided training on infection prevention and control (IPC) measures. The team is going house to house and orienting on water container cleanness and water treatment chemical and latrine utilization.

The team maintained and treated two main water sources. The team did a water quality monitoring investigation in Goro Woreda, and the findings indicated that most handwashing facilities and household water containers are contaminated. 

The WHO surge teams also implemented a community-based approach to reinforce hygiene practices and identify suspected cholera cases early. They partnered with local groups and organizations, such as the Red Cross, to reach more people with health education messages and provide care in makeshift tents. The team reached  more than 85,000 communities (70 % of the target population) with Cholera messaging. 

Tesfaye Tilaye, the coordinator for the WHO Surge team, stated that they are collaborating with local government, community groups, committees, and partners such as World Vision to expand their outreach to more people. He said, "One of the big achievements is the improved integration between health and water sectors."

They have also established tents in Goro Woreda to provide treatment to patients. WHO has delivered approximately 35 metric tons of Cholera Treatment kits.
Mr Seyfedin Mohammed, Head of Bale Zone Health Department, said, "Despite the challenges posed by the cholera outbreak, the additional support provided by the WHO Ethiopia surge team has helped to contain the spread of the disease and save lives. We are very grateful for that." 

Mr Mohammed, a Bale Durane kebele resident, also thanked the WHO team for their dedication. He said, "They came to our houses and boreholes to check our water is safe to drink. They also train us how to use water treatment chemicals. We feel safe now to drink the water in our kebele. "Thanks to support from various humanitarian organizations, including the Ethiopian Humanitarian Fund, European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Thanks to support from various humanitarian organizations, including the Ethiopian Humanitarian Fund, European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations, the United Kingdom Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, and the United States Agency for International Development, WHO has been able to respond quickly and effectively to the drought and cholera outbreak. The organization has deployed experts to the affected regions, provided technical assistance to local health authorities, and delivered over 74 metric tons of cholera treatment kits in 2023 alone.

For technical information
Genene KEBEDE
Risk Communication Officer
kebedeg [at] who.int