Death toll rises in Cameroon cholera epidemic

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Plan deploys “cholera soldiers” to combat killer disease Yaoundé, CAMEROON: The death toll and the number of reported cases of cholera continue to rise across Cameroon: nearly 7,718 cases reported in 9 out of 10 regions and 256 deaths attributed to the epidemic. Cameroonians continue to struggle in containing this killer disease. Plan in Cameroon has been deploying teams of community volunteers “cholera soldiers” in its seven operational regions: Centre, South West, North West, West, Littoral, North and Far North. The Centre region with more than 2,558 cases reported is hardest hit, although in part through the efforts of Plan, the number of new cases being reported there has slowed to almost none. Plan’s ongoing activities to contain and stop the cholera epidemic include: 512 community volunteers have been going door to door to raise awareness about cholera, provide water treatment tablets and cleaning materials such as bleach. The health of residents is noted and those who may have contracted the disease are referred to hospitals for treatment. Children’s Acting Troops are educating their peers and parents by performing skits about cholera and how to prevent it. Medical supplies have been provided to over-burdened clinics in the Centre region treating cholera patients including 20,000 syringes, 5,000 infusers, 1,000 catheters, 2400 ringer lactate (fluid and electrolyte replenisher) and 528 glucose solutions. 700,000 oral rehydration salts (ORS) for distribution across all 10 region. “This outbreak has been lingering for the past two years. The defenses of those particularly vulnerable to the disease, small children under five and women, are low,” said Plan Cameroon Country Director Famari Barro. “Plan programmes in the region are underpinned by the importance of clean, potable water and basic hygiene and sanitation to prevent the spread of disease.” To support the ongoing efforts of Plan in Cameroon to combat the cholera epidemic, please visit www.plan-international.org to make a contribution through your local Plan office.  EDITORS NOTES: Interviews with Plan staff responding to the crisis are available upon request. Photographs of the Plan Cholera Soldiers are available on the Plan Media Bank - http://mediabank.plan-international.org/?c=4333&k=8599629fa7 Plan also responded to the 2010 cholera outbreak. Improving public health and access to clean water are key goals in the development of long-term programmes. Plan has worked in Cameroon since 1996, helping poor children to access their rights to education, health and protection. Founded over 70 years ago, Plan is one of the oldest and largest children's development organisations in the world. We work in 48 developing countries across Africa, Asia and the Americas to promote child rights and lift millions of children out of poverty. ENDS Inquiries and Interviews Contact: Florence Cisse, Media Relations (French/English)          Louise Finan, Press Officer, Plan International Florence.cisse@plan-international.org                           louise.finan@plan-international.org +221 869 74 39 (Senegal)                                             +44 (0)7739325807 (UK) Skype: madamelcisse                                                  Skype:louisefinan