afrol News, 18 May - The Angola Health minister, José Van-Dúnem said the government has managed to control cholera incidences since January this year despite witnessing heavy torrential rains and flooding during the season.

In the first five months of 2008, the World Health Organisation detected 7,740 cases of cholera with 198 fatalities in Angola, but in the same period this year, the country has only recorded 631 cases and three deaths.

The Minister attributed the dramatic decline to the promotion of civic education campaigns in the communities, which according to him have allowed people to protect themselves against the Cholera.

Heavy rainfall since the middle of February has caused widespread flooding in Angola, displacing more than 80,000 people from their homes.

Mr Van-Dúnem said all health departments have been engaged in a number of activities and campaigns with the Luanda Provincial Government to achieve better results in the fight against the Cholera.

Cholera is most prevalent in Angola between January and mid-May during the rainy season, particularly in the urban slum areas with little or no drainage and poor sanitation.

According to UNICEF, 10.5 million Angolans, more than half the population, have no access to sanitation, but the government is currently investing hundreds of millions of dollars to increase access.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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