Rallying to Curb Cholera Epidemic in Kasese Uganda After Severe Floods
Every year for the past 13 years, Kasese District in western Uganda East Africa experienced cholera outbreaks in a somewhat cyclical process that entailed flooding, displacement to camps and then cholera would follow. This year, the 2020 powerful floods came. More than 5000 were displaced from their homes. Reports of cholera and water borne diseases have alerted Microfinance Alliance Africa Projects Foundation.
Looking to form alliances with other partners, Microfinance Alliance Africa Projects Foundation is struggling to assist Kasese Diocese villages to improved its systems and integrated delivery of services to curb disease outbreaks resulting from consumption of unsafe water and poor hygiene.
Cholera is a highly infectious disease that causes severe watery diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and even death if untreated. Since 2007, Kasese has every year suffered a cholera outbreak. How severe the current cases will spread is of concern.
Bishop Francis Kibira-Kambale the local Catholic leader of the region reached out to MAAPF seeking funds to mount efforts to address post flooding water and sanitation issues. He explained that cholera threat adds to Covid and hunger and malaria contributes to the suffering of his people who remain hopeful and faithful.
The Kasese situation is difficult: lack of housing is particularly troublesome. It is a crisis that access to health care facilities destroyed by floods cannot keep up with the demand for antibiotics and treatment. With no housing for hundreds displaced persons swarms of mosquitos invade temporary tents offering no resistance to malaria carrying plague. Malaria infects men, women, children weakened by starvation as crops were washed away and food rations are insufficient. Pregnant and new mothers and babies with suppressed immune system are especially at risk as malaria becomes deadly.
Plans are mobilizing purchasing and distributing water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) supplies including hand washing facilities; well-constructed latrines and well-trained health workers offer an immediate response.
Fortunately, the MAAP Foundation has received a first step to enlist support as a generous grant from one local Arlington Heights family is offering to help supply: water, antibiotics, bed-nets, blankets, flour and beans, water purification assistance, hand washing, assistance. Efforts ahead need to be implemented to establish human waste sanitation systems that prevent contamination of available water used for drinking and cooking.
For more information contact:
Deacon Don Grossnickle, MAAP Foundation
US Based Charitable 5013c organization
608 415 7489 Mobile
dgrossnick@aol.com
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