Shortages of supplies and strikes weaken the cholera response in Équateur

The Équateur Provincial Health Division reports shortages of medicines, chlorine and sampling kits, as well as too few beds at cholera treatment centres in Bolenge and Wangata. Health workers are also striking over unpaid bonuses dating back to the start of the outbreak, while a national health workers’ strike has been underway since October 15. The province has recorded 142 cholera cases and 17 deaths, according to the latest figures. Health authorities are asking the government and technical and financial partners to increase their support.