BAGHDAD - The World Health Organization met Iraq's Ministry of Health in Baghdad yesterday to offer the UN's increased support to Iraq's cholera control activities. This follows the Government's announcement of 21 new confirmed cholera cases in Babil governorate, with another 90 – 95 suspected cases under investigation.
WHO and other UN Agencies have been supporting cholera-affected governorates since the disease resurfaced three weeks ago. In addition to its coordination role among the UN and partners, WHO is strengthening Iraq's disease surveillance system in identifying new cases, and providing emergency supplies to laboratories to improve cholera testing. UNICEF is also sending water tankers to affected areas, delivering Oral Rehydration Salts and water purification tablets for families and providing cholera-prevention information through NGO partners on the ground. Other humanitarian organizations are ready to offer further assistance.
The Babil outbreak means Iraq now has 28 confirmed cholera cases in total – including six cases in Baghdad and one in Missan governorate. Three deaths are now confirmed as cholera-related through laboratory analysis, but the actual toll may be higher. Seven people have died from acute diarrhea (a cholera symptom) in villages near Babil's main city of Hillah, and another seven in Missan. WHO and Iraqi health authorities are monitoring additional suspect cases.
Last year, Iraq reported 4696 cholera cases and 24 deaths, mostly in the country's northern cities. "This year's outbreak is very different," said Dr Naeema Al-Gasseer, WHO Representative to Iraq. "The majority of cases are now in rural areas where most people lack access to safe water and adequate sanitation", she added.
"UNICEF has already made supplies available to governorate authorities, and is on standby to provide additional support if required to prevent any further human loss", said UNICEF's Chief Facilitator in Baghdad.
The Government has responded fast to ensure the availability of medical supplies and chlorine. It has sent safe drinking water to affected districts, increased power to water treatment plants and launched public information campaigns. So far, these efforts appear to be limiting the disease's spread.
Over the longer term, Iraq needs to upgrade its water and sanitation networks significantly and provide reliable power for treatment plants to prevent the spread of waterborne diseases. The UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Iraq, David Shearer, has pledged the UN's full commitment to assist Iraqi efforts in these critical sectors.
