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Cholera intervention in South Kivu
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Although easy to prevent and treat, cholera affects up to 4 million people worldwide per year, resulting in up to 140,000 deaths.

Caused by a water-borne bacterial infection of the intestine, cholera is transmitted through contaminated food or water, or through contact with fecal matter or vomit from infected people. Cholera can cause severe diarrhoea and vomiting, and rapidly prove fatal, within hours, if not treated. But cholera is very simple to treat – rehydration is key. Most people respond well to oral rehydration salts, which are easy to administer. In more serious cases, intravenous fluids are required. Ultimately, no-one should die of cholera.

Cholera

Quick facts about cholera

Cholera outbreaks resurgence | Web Clip EN SQUARE
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Cholera outbreaks resurgence

A resurgence of cholera outbreaks

In 2023, 30 countries recorded cases of cholera. MSF teams responded to cholera outbreaks in more than 10 countries, including in Lebanon, Haiti, Syria and DRC; in many of these countries, the situation is worrying. But why are we seeing a resurgence of cholera outbreaks?

CTC Infographic (EN)

What happens in an MSF cholera treatment centre?

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MSF often responds to outbreaks of cholera in the countries we work. But how do we set up our cholera treatment centres to ensure our patients get the best care possible - and that the disease doesn't spread? Learn more about the layout and activities of an MSF cholera treatment centre in this interactive guide.

Learn more about MSF's cholera treament centres
 
MSF supported cholera treatment center in Al-Sadaqa hospital, Aden, Yemen
Yemen

MSF treats exponential increase in cholera cases since start of 2019

Press Release 27 Mar 2019
 
Cholera vaccination campaign in Maradi
Niger

Preventing future outbreaks in a cholera hotspot

Project Update 17 Dec 2018
 
Harare - Cholera outbreak
Zimbabwe

A collective response to cholera in Harare

Project Update 25 Oct 2018
 
Kenya

MSF responds to cholera outbreak amid heavy rains and flooding

Project Update 18 May 2018
 
Fighting in Ituri province
Democratic Republic of Congo

Stories of flight across Lake Albert

Project Update 23 Mar 2018
 
Congolese refugees in Uganda
Democratic Republic of Congo

Violence in Ituri province forces tens of thousands from their homes

Project Update 28 Feb 2018
 
Zambia, cholera vaccination in Lusaka
Zambia

Encouraging new results further demonstrate effectiveness of the single dose oral cholera vaccine

Press Release 9 Feb 2018
 
Cholera intervention in Kinshasa
Democratic Republic of Congo

MSF steps up cholera support in DRC

Project Update 25 Jan 2018
 
Cholera outbreak in Yemen
Yemen

From cholera to diphtheria – shattered health system battles a new threat

Statement 12 Dec 2017
Advanced HIV management in Homa Bay
Medical Resource

MSF Field Research

We produce important research based on our field experience. So far, we have published articles in over 100 peer-reviewed journals. These articles have often changed clinical practice and have been used for humanitarian advocacy. All of these articles can be found on our dedicated Field Research website.

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