The Southern African Development Community (SADC) this Monday advocated a coordinated regional response to prevent the spread of the cholera outbreak that has affected some countries in the region, especially the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia.
This position was expressed this Monday by the Acting Chairman of the SADC Council of Ministers, Ambassador and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Angola, Tete António, noting that the fight against the disease is a shared challenge at the regional level.
Tete Antoniou, who spoke at the opening of the extraordinary session of the SADC Council of Ministers, which was held virtually, recalled that the movement of people, goods and services creates an environment conducive to the easy spread of cholera in countries.
“This scenario requires a coordinated regional response to tackle this problem, since no country can fight a disease like cholera alone, which does not respect borders,” the Angolan minister said.
He also advocated collective, comprehensive and coordinated action to prevent and control cholera, noting that health experts are already exhaustively discussing the measures needed to prevent and contain the disease.
“As a region, we have demonstrated deep resilience and collective resolve in the face of other health challenges such as HIV, AIDS and Covid-19. Through our regional efforts, we have made significant progress in preventing and mitigating the devastating effects of the epidemic. these health pandemics,” he recalled.
The Acting Chairman of the SADC Council of Ministers pointed to the need to create a “united front” to sustainably prevent the widespread spread of cholera “and, indeed, the widespread spread of any future diseases or pandemics that may come our way,” he stressed. .
Zambia and the Democratic Republic of Congo (RDCongo), both countries with extensive land borders with Angola, are countries where cholera epidemics have been reported due to heavy rainfall in these territories.
Angola, which has not recorded a single case, is at alert level 2, according to authorities, and has already strengthened its surveillance system.
Addressing SADC members and senior officials of the regional bloc, Tete Antonio stressed that the region needs to prioritize investments in health infrastructure, prevention and health promotion.
“So that we can create healthier communities, unlock human potential and reallocate resources for sustainable development,” he emphasized, also noting the actions of the Committee of Health Ministers on this issue.
The Angola Ambassador also highlighted the support from SADC partners, namely the World Health Organization, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC Africa) and UNICEF, in terms of technical expertise and advice to member states on issues related to public health.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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