In the Democratic Republic of Congo, the re-emergence of cholera is a major public health problem, particularly in the urban environment. Numerous development players, including the Foundation, are addressing this issue by implementing an integrated strategy to prevent spread of the disease.
Safe drinking water to win the battle against cholera
The Foundation focuses its efforts on the cities of Kalemie and Uvira in Sud-Kivu, the main centers of cholera outbreaks in the country. Alongside other partners, it acts to improve access to safe drinking water and develop better hygiene practices.
Its commitment has resulted in concrete actions to:
- rehabilitate, secure and expand water supply infrastructure
- carry out a three-year scientific study of the impact of improving the potable water network on the incidence of cholera in Uvira. This study is led by the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), which specializes in tropical diseases.
1 billion people across the world still lack any access to safe drinking water
3 billion people lack sustainable access to water or use water of dubious quality
3 to 5 million people contract cholera every year across the world