Outbreak of cholera in Tanzania prompts a response from the European Union

The European Commission has granted EUR 60,000 (about TSHS 148 million) in humanitarian aid in response to a cholera outbreak in the northern Tanzania districts of Uvinza and Tanganyika. On April 23, 2022, the Tanzanian government declared an outbreak. The outbreak had spread to Lake Tanganyika's shores by April 28, 2022. There have been 181 verified and suspected cases. If not carefully handled, this outbreak has the potential to swiftly spread to neighboring areas in the Kigoma and Katavi regions.

This EU funding will assist the Tanzanian Red Cross Society in assisting cholera-affected communities, particularly in risk communication, awareness-raising, and community participation. The Tanzanian Red Cross will mobilize and train over 130 volunteers, community health specialists, and leaders in cleanliness and health promotion, psychosocial support, and community participation to affect behavioral change.

In addition to evaluating the quality of household water, the response will include the deployment of mobile theaters in communities to educate people on the need to follow health and hygiene precautions. The task will be carried out in partnership with the government and any parties who are interested. During the previous cholera outbreak, the Tanzanian Red Cross was involved in both the planning and response operations.

This effort will benefit roughly 38,000 people in the affected areas of Uvinza in Kigoma and Tanganyika in Katavi.The donations are part of the EU's total commitment to the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) Disaster Relief Emergency Fund (DREF).