Cholera Returns to Maroua After Floods, Local Authorities Respond to Crisis

Shortly thereafter, the number of suspected and confirmed cases increased from two to 11 and then to 25. Tragically, the epidemic has claimed the life of a five-year-old child.

In response to this alarming situation, administrative authorities, led by the Prefect of Diamaré, Jean Marc Ekoa Mbarga, launched an awareness campaign late last week to halt the spread of the disease. During a visit to the affected areas, accompanied by health officials, the Prefect urged the local population, especially market vendors, to adhere to basic hygiene practices. He stressed that cholera is a "disease of filth," calling on people to avoid displaying food products on the ground and to take measures to protect exposed items like meat from flies.

The health districts of Maroua 1 and Maroua 2 have been placed on high alert, while the entire region is mobilizing to prevent the further spread of the cholera epidemic. The population in the Far North region remains vulnerable, not only to the disease but also to the lingering effects of recent floods. In addition, the region is grappling with insecurity due to the presence of armed militants from terrorist groups, making an already challenging situation even more dire.

Local authorities are focused on combating both the health and security threats, as the region continues to battle multiple crises.