Cholera outbreak in northern Mali

Since Monday, 32 cases of cholera have been identified in the village of Wabaria, situated along the Niger River near Gao in northern Mali. Two people have already died from the cholera, but the situation now appears to be under control.

“The population needs to remain vigilant and adhere to recommended hygiene measures." Annick Hamel, the International Committee of the Red Cross 's medical coordinator for Mali and Niger.

Cholera is caused by a bacterium that spreads through ingestion of contaminated water and as a result of insufficient hygiene, among other things.

The ICRC provided the treatment centre with intravenous fluids, oral rehydration salts, doxycycline, other medications and medical supplies, bottled water, hygiene products and sanitizers.

Listen to the interview by Charles Collins with ICRC spokesman, Germain Mwehu: