Clean up campaign: A strategy towards eliminating and preventing cholera 

Tanzania is one of the East African countries currently experiencing the challenge of a cholera outbreak. Cholera is a disease that can spread rapidly from one person to another in areas with poor sewage disposal and poor provision or supply of drinking water.

It is an acute diarrheal illness caused by bacteria called Vibrio cholerae. Thus, a person can get sick when he or she swallows food or water contaminated with those bacteria.

A recent report by the World Health Organisation (WHO), published on January 11,  2024, titled ‘Multi-country outbreak of cholera, External Situation Report N.10’, shows that about 30 countries, including Tanzania, reported cholera cases, and the findings show that “the number of cases reported by all 30 countries in 2023 (from 1st January 2023 to 15th December 2023) has surpassed that of 2022, with over 667 000 cases and 4000 deaths”.

That report specifically shows that, in Tanzania, in three months (from September 5, 2023 to December 14, 2023), there were about 662 confirmed cases of the cholera outbreak, with 19 reported death cases.

Geographically, Tanzania is bordered by other neighbouring nations like Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, and Mozambique. Some of these nations are also currently affected by a cholera outbreak. For instance, the same WHO report shows that Zambia had 1,330 confirmed cases with 34 deaths in two months (from 11th October 2023 to 12th December 2023). However, as I pen this column, the media reports show that the confirmed cases in Zambia are now more than 7,800 since October 2023 and there are more than 400 new reported cases within 24 hours. Yes, the movement of people between these neighbouring countries such as Zambia and Tanzania or within regions in the country can extend the geographic reach of cholera outbreaks.

According to the Tanzania Minister of Health, Hon Ummy Mwalimu, six regions in the country are currently experiencing cholera outbreaks. They are Mwanza, Shinyanga, Simiyu, Kagera, Tabora, and Ruvuma. Since cholera is a transmissible disease, there is a need to launch a clean-up campaign, especially for the most affected regions. However, there is a need to extend the campaign to other big cities like Dar es Salaam, Mwanza, Arusha, Tanga etc.

Have you ever visited Kariakoo in Dar es Salaam city when it rains? If yes, you will agree and understand what I am talking about. Just think of those sewerage systems in Dar es Salaam when it rains. Likewise, poor hygiene facilities tend to increase the possibility of the spread of this disease.

Think about the provision of clean water in both our cities and villages. The provision of this precious resource is associated with a lot of challenges, and the majority of people do not have access to it.

It is clear that if no appropriate measures are taken urgently and seriously, the outbreak will spread to other areas that are currently not affected.

Tanzania is also now experiencing a rainy season. This season can contribute to the outbreak of this disease because if there is leakage of human faeces and a lack of clean drinking water, there is a possibility for the outbreak of this disease.

Cholera has been reported almost every year in the country. Let’s take serious initiative in fighting against it. Education provision to the community is vital to raising awareness of hygienic-related issues at all levels, from an individual, family, and community level to a national level.

Let us be serious about dealing with this disease before the situation becomes a tragedy. That is, through a multifaceted approach that helps to prevent and control the diseases. These include access to clean and safe drinking water, sanitation and hygiene, treatment, and oral cholera vaccines.

Dr. Saumu Jumanne is a Lecturer at the Dar es Salaam University College of Education (DUCE).