"We must step up our efforts to ensure that all emergency funds and supplies made available are utilised immediately and effectively to save human lives and put a stop to the epidemic."
According to data from the Epidemiological Services of the health ministry, as of 14 August 2,018 persons had contracted cholera, of whom 41 have died.
UNICEF's efforts to combat the deadly disease are part of Guinea Bissau's national response plan to the cholera epidemic. One of many partners working under the leadership of the Ministry of Health, UNICEF is responsible for supporting the disinfection of Bissau's water system and traditional wells in the capital and the most affected regions; management of potentially contaminating human waste; distribution of hygiene and sanitation products (soap, bleach, sodium hypochlorite, buckets, etc.); and the production, distribution, and training required to communicate prevention messages to the broader population.
Communication materials are, indeed, a vital tool in combating the disease, and UNICEF has conducted a rapid assessment to better understand the population's awareness of cholera and how it is spread. Based on the results of this assessment, UNICEF has supported the production and distribution of messages that emphasize disease prevention and proper hygiene. These messages are being spread with the support of religious and traditional leaders, and UNICEF is appealing to the population of Guinea Bissau to respect the recommendations on hygiene practices necessary to prevent cholera.
In addition to its current response to the epidemic, UNICEF emphasizes the importance of developing a longer term national strategy to prevent this type of crisis from happening again.
UNICEF works in over 150 countries and territories all over the world to help children survival and development. First provider of vaccines to developing countries, UNICEF supports health and nutrition of children, access to potable water and sanitation, quality basic education for boys and girls, and protection of children against violence, all types of exploitation and HIV/AIDS. UNICEF is financed entirely by voluntary contributions of individuals, foundations, enterprises and governments.
Source: UNICEF
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