USAID assists Djibouti in cholera outbreak

USAID are providing $100 000 in emergency funding to the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF) for medical supplies and to facilitate an intensive health, sanitation and hygiene campaign to prevent the further spread of diarrhoea in Djibouti.

Since January 2007, limited access to safe drinking water and poor sanitation and hygiene conditions led to a surge in diarrhoea and cholera in Djibouti, primarily affecting Djibouti city and nearby Dikhil and Tadjourah districts, according to the Djibouti Ministry of Health. Three surges in reported cases of diarrhoea and cholera in January, April and September have drained the resources of local government and relief agencies to adequately respond. The ministry reported more than 1 000 diarrhoea cases since early September and reports over 40 new cases per day.

USAID, in conjunction with the US Embassy in Djibouti, will continue to monitor the situation and is prepared to provide additional assistance if needed.