Luanda: Angola started on Saturday a cholera vaccination campaign to immunize around two million people in the provinces of Cabinda, Cuanza-Sul, Huila, Lunda-Norte, Namibe, and Zaire. The campaign is being promoted by the Ministry of Health, in partnership with the World Health Organization (WHO), Gavi - the Vaccine Alliance, the European Union, and UNICEF.
According to Angola Press News Agency, the campaign will involve 942 teams of vaccinators, mobilizers, and supervisors who will visit communities and set up fixed posts in strategic locations to ensure access to the vaccine for all beneficiaries. The event will be opened by the Minister of Health, Silvia Lutucuta, in the province of Lunda Norte and covers municipalities that have active transmission of this disease, which has been ravaging Angola since the first half of January.
The municipalities were selected based on daily epidemiological analyses conducted by health authorities. Vaccination is intended for all persons aged one year and older and is part of a more comprehensive response to strengthen epidemiological surveillance, promote access to safe drinking water and sanitation, and ensure timely treatment of any cases.
The vaccine used is Euvichol-S, an oral, single-dose vaccine recently donated by Gavi. Its distribution is carried out through a global allocation process coordinated by the International Coordination Group (ICG) in response to the active cholera outbreak, as well as areas at high risk of spread. Although it is an essential tool for strengthening immunity against cholera, the Ministry of Health reminds us that the vaccine must be accompanied by other preventive measures, such as frequent hand washing with soap and water, consumption of treated water, and proper hygiene of food and the environment.
The vaccination campaign reinforces the commitment of the Angolan government and its partners to protect the most vulnerable communities, halt the spread of cholera, and save lives. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to improve public health and the resilience of the national health system.
