Health officials have declared a Cholera outbreak in Mozambique, a devastating effect left by the series of cyclones that hit the area.
The World health organization (WHO) reports that nearly 190,000 people are in critical need of medical attention and are at risk of the communicable disease, Cholera.
“On Cyclone Kenneth, the World Health Organization (WHO) tells us today that nearly 190,000 people are in need of health assistance or are at risk of diseases in Mozambique. Kenneth was the second category 3 cyclone to hit the country within five weeks. Due to the lack of accessibility, the full extent of the damage to the health system is not known. At least 17 health facilities have been damaged but this number is expected to rise,” Stéphane Dujarric, a U.N. spokesperson told reporters in New York.
WHO also reports that water purification units have been setup in Mozambique in conjunction with UNICEF.
“WHO is working with the Ministry of Health to carry out evaluations, and they’re also working with UNICEF and have sent tents, water purification units and other supplies. A WHO team of specialists, originally deployed to Beira following Cyclone Idai, have now been redeployed to follow Cyclone Kenneth. WHO stressed the need for rapid action to manage the risk of cholera,” said Dujarric.
This is the first time in history where two devastating cyclones would hit the nation within a short period of time.