DR Congo: Community Mobilization And Supply Support Strengthen The Cholera Response In Kolwezi
Kolwezi, Lualaba – Since late 2025, the Manika Health Zone in the city of Kolwezi, Democratic Republic of Congo, has been battling a cholera outbreak that has placed a significant strain on health facilities and local communities. In response, health authorities, community health workers, and humanitarian partners have coordinated efforts to contain the spread of the disease and protect vulnerable populations.
The outbreak was first reported on 24 December 2025 in the Mutoshi Health Area before spreading to several neighbourhoods across Kolwezi. Health authorities conducted epidemiological investigations to confirm the presence of the disease before officially declaring the outbreak about two weeks later.
“As with any suspected cholera outbreak, epidemiological investigations had to be conducted first to confirm the presence of the disease,” explains Dr. Liliane Shacko, Acting Chief Medical Officer of the Manika Health Zone. “After the necessary analyses, the outbreak was officially declared by the provincial authorities about two weeks later.”
Several factors contributed to the spread of the disease, including poor hygiene conditions, high population density in certain neighbourhoods and the start of the rainy season, which increases the risk of water contamination. Since the beginning of the outbreak, more than 200 cases have been recorded, with 19 deaths reported, including 13 that occurred in the community before patients could reach a health facility.
To manage the situation, health authorities established a Cholera Treatment Center at Mwangeji General Referral Hospital while intensifying prevention activities in high-risk communities.
“The response cannot be limited to health facilities alone. It must also take place within communities,” Dr. Shacko stresses. “Community awareness, access to safe water and improved hygiene practices are essential to break the chain of transmission.”
To reinforce the response, World Vision provided logistical and material support aimed at strengthening prevention, treatment and community mobilization. The assistance included water treatment supplies such as 100 kilograms of granular chlorine and 700 packages of Aquatabs for community water chlorination.
Sanitation and disinfection efforts were supported with sprayers, sanitation overalls, boots, jerry cans, disinfectant and soap, while communication activities benefited from megaphones, batteries and umbrellas used during awareness campaigns. Medical supplies were also delivered to strengthen case management, including intravenous fluids, oral rehydration salts, antibiotics and cholera rapid diagnostic tests.
These resources supported response activities in several high-risk neighbourhoods, including Kasulu, Kakifuluwe and Camps Massard.
At the centre of the response are community health workers who play a critical role in informing families and detecting suspected cases early. In the Kasulu Health Area, community health worker Nicole Nyange conducts awareness sessions, household visits and discussions with residents.
“Our work consists of informing families about cholera prevention measures,” she explains. “We organise awareness sessions, conduct household visits and discuss the importance of handwashing, water treatment and environmental sanitation.”
Community health workers also help ensure that suspected cases are referred quickly to health facilities.
“When someone shows symptoms such as diarrhoea or vomiting, we immediately encourage the family to take the person to the nearest health centre,” Nyange adds. “Cholera can be dangerous, but it can be treated if action is taken quickly.”
The combined efforts of health teams, community workers, and partners are already producing results. Through activities supported by World Vision, 3,049 people accessed chlorinated water at treatment sites, while 6,097 residents received awareness messages on hygiene practices, water chlorination, disinfection, and safe burial procedures.
For many residents, these initiatives have improved their understanding of how cholera spreads and how to prevent it. In Kasulu, Marie, a mother of four, says community sessions have helped families adopt safer practices.
“Before, we did not really understand how cholera spreads,” she says.
“Now we are more careful. We treat the water we drink and wash our hands more often, especially before eating.”
Despite encouraging progress in the initial outbreak area, health authorities warn that the response remains under pressure due to population movement between neighbourhoods and neighbouring health zones. Patients from Dilala and Lualaba continue to be referred to Manika, and cases have also been reported in nearby areas such as Fungurume.
For Dr. Shacko, sustained community engagement remains essential. “We must continue strengthening awareness, improving access to safe water, maintaining water chlorination, and reinforcing hygiene practices within communities.”
In Kolwezi’s neighbourhoods, the response demonstrates how combining medical care, supply support, and strong community mobilisation can help contain outbreaks while building longer-term hygiene and prevention practices.