Ethiopia Aims to Eliminate Cholera 2Yrs Ahead of Global Plan

Addis Ababa (ENA) December 26/2022 Ethiopia aims to eliminate cholera by 2028 while the world health assembly is set to eliminate cholera by 2030.

Roadmap 2030 is a new global strategy to reduce cholera deaths and stop cholera transmission with the support of Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC).

It aims to achieve a 90 percent reduction in cholera deaths through the mobilization of cholera-affected countries.

Ethiopian Public Health Institute is deliberated a high-level consultative and advocacy workshop on Ethiopia's national cholera control plan.

In her opening remark, Health Minister Lia Tadesse said cholera disproportionately affects the poorest and most vulnerable countries, affecting at least 47 countries worldwide, with an estimated 1.3 to 4 million cases and 21,000 to 143,000 deaths annually worldwide.

Several cholera outbreaks occurred in different parts of the country from 2015 to 2021 resulting in over 105,000 cases and caused thousands of deaths, she added.

The work of preventing and controlling frequent outbreaks is very difficult and needs high cost, Lia said, adding “Therefore, the government is doing extensive work with partners, stakeholders and development organizations to reduce the   disease exposure of the community.”

“The Ethiopian government officially launched its National Cholera Elimination Plan (NCP) at the GTFCC side event on the 75^th World Health Assembly which was held in Geneva, Switzerland on May, 2022. This plan is a testament to the Government of Ethiopia’s commitment towards a multi-sectorial approach for reducing 90% of Cholera deaths by the year 2030. We are now here to advocate and discuss the implementation of this National Plan,” the Minister elaborated.

Accordingly, Ethiopia aims to eliminate cholera by 2028 while the world health assembly is set to eliminate cholera by 2030.

World Health Organization representative, Paul Mainuka stressed that cholera remains a major health threat worldwide.

The burden and impact of cholera pandemic is greatest in the African region where it is endemic in many counties, with case fatality rates that exceed the global average of 1 percent, he added.

“The National Cholera Elimination Plan (NCP) implementation plan will be practical framework that will guide implementation of each of the activities in the NCP to reduce cholera transmission to zero and achieve 90 percent reduction by 2028,” Mainuka emphasized.

An estimated of close to 400 million USD is required for implementing the plan.