Imran Rizawho is also the Resident Coordinator, said in a statement that “Quick and urgent action is needed to prevent further illness and death. UN agencies and NGO partners are working closely with health authorities to ensure a prompt and effective response.”
The outbreak broke out on September 10, after 15 laboratory-confirmed cases, including one patient death, Riza said. A total of 936 cases of severe acute watery diarrhea were reported between August 25 and September 10, resulting in “at least eight deaths,” he reported.
Most cases are reported from Aleppo (72.2%) and Deir-ez-Zor (21.5%), with cases also reported in Ar-Raqqa, Al Hasakeh, Hama and Lattakia.
The number of confirmed cholera cases so far is 20 in Aleppo, 4 in Lattakia and 2 in Damascus – both of those infected in the capital had traveled from Aleppo.
Euphrates Link
“Based on a rapid assessment conducted by health authorities and partners, the source of infection is believed to be related to people drinking alcohol. unsafe water from the Euphrates River and using contaminated water to irrigate plants, leading to food contamination,” said the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator. “Cholera remains a global threat to public health and a sign of inequality.”
He said the outbreak was a sign of severe water shortages across Syria, an issue for which the United Nations had been “sounding the alarm” for some time.
Mr. Riza said that while the water level of the Euphrates River is falling with drought-like conditions and damaged national water infrastructure due to 11 years of war,Much of Syria’s already vulnerable population relies on unsafe water sourcescan lead to the spread of dangerous waterborne diseases, especially in children. “
“Water shortages are forcing households to resort to negative coping mechanisms, such as changing sanitation practices or increasing household debt to cover water costs.”
Coordinated response in progress
A senior humanitarian official led by the Syrian Ministry of Health with support from the World Health Organization (WASH) in close coordination is underway, the senior humanitarian official said.WHO) and the United Nations Children’s Fund UNICEFwork with an extensive network of partners to respond.
“Since late August, health partners have been actively working to increase preparedness and response to potential outbreaks in all affected provinces.. Early warning surveillance has been enhanced in areas where outbreaks have been reported and other high-risk areas, including camps with internally displaced people.
Check and treat
About 4,000 rapid diagnostic tests have been delivered to support the work of rapid response teams deployed to investigate suspected cases. Mr. Riza said intravenous fluids and oral rehydration salts have also been delivered to medical facilities where confirmed patients are hospitalized.
Partners have mobilized Medical and WASH supplies in the affected cities. Chlorination operations for water disinfection are expanding and drug use rates are being increased in fragile and vulnerable communities. to limit the spread of disease.
Clean water is also being transported to the affected areas. Similarly, partners are engaging with local authorities to initiate centralized, periodic water testing processes and support water sample collection.
“The UN in Syria calls on emergency donor countries for additional funding to contain the outbreak and prevent it from spreading” Mr. Riza said. “We call on all stakeholders to ensure sustainable and unimpeded access to affected communities, as well as the support of neighboring countries to expedite the necessary approvals. necessary to ensure the timely supply of life-saving medicines and medical supplies.”
