Cholera Response in Quara: A Critical Update on the Outbreak in Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s cholera outbreak began on July 15, 2023, affecting 60 districts and resulting in thousands of cases and deaths. A resurgence in January 2025 raised further alarm with additional cases and fatalities. International Medical Corps is actively providing health and sanitation support in response to this crisis.

A cholera outbreak in the West Gondar Zone of Amhara, Ethiopia, commenced on July 15, 2023, significantly impacting 60 woredas across 16 zones. By August 29, 2023, there were 4,983 confirmed cholera cases and 90 fatalities, resulting in a case fatality rate (CFR) of 1.81%. Recently, the outbreak resurfaced in January 2025, leading to an additional 270 cases and five deaths by February 18, with a CFR rising to 4.5%.

International Medical Corps has been active in Ethiopia since 2003, providing essential services including health care, nutrition, maternal and newborn health, food security, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services. As part of its response to the cholera outbreak, the organization began collaborating with zonal health offices and local authorities on February 12, 2025, focusing its efforts in the Quara woreda, specifically at two cholera treatment centers (CTCs): Bermil and Geligu.

The ongoing cholera situation in Quara woreda has prompted a coordinated response from International Medical Corps and other international NGOs. Efforts commenced with outreach to community leaders in Gendu Wuha and Geligu towns to devise strategic interventions in collaboration with local health offices and emergency management teams. This area has experienced recurrent cholera outbreaks, beginning with infections traced back to the Bermil St. George Holy Water site in July 2023.

Following the emergence of a new outbreak at Bermil on January 3, 2025, it was noted that all reported cases from February were either directly from Bermil or associated with individuals having traveled there. By early January 2025, 181 cases were documented at the Bermil CTC, accentuating an alarming CFR of 4.5%. This situation underscores the urgent necessity for effective intervention strategies and community engagement to manage the cholera crisis effectively.

In conclusion, the cholera outbreak in Quara woreda has continued to pose critical public health challenges. Despite the initial containment efforts, the resurgence of cases in 2025 necessitates heightened intervention measures and robust community collaboration to prevent further spread. Effective management of this outbreak remains essential in safeguarding public health in the affected regions.

Original Source: reliefweb.int