In the capital, N’Djamena, and the northern province of Hadjer Lamis, a cholera outbreak has resulted in 13 fatalities and 239 confirmed cases since July, according to health officials.
Health authorities declared the outbreak on July 24, following the first reported deaths on June 13. As of August 3, the total number of cases had climbed to 239 in this Central African nation of nearly 21 million people.
To curb the spread, a vaccination campaign is underway, with over 50,799 individuals already immunized. The ministry emphasized that access to clean water and sanitation remains a critical challenge in tackling the disease.
Cholera, an acute diarrheal infection caused by contaminated food or water, can be fatal within hours without prompt treatment. While rehydration and antibiotics are effective in most cases, prevention hinges on improved sanitation and water safety—areas where Chad continues to face significant hurdles.
This outbreak is part of a broader regional trend, with neighboring countries like the Central African Republic, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo also grappling with similar health crises.