S1 E9: Cholera Chronicles - Triumph Over Cholera: South Africa’s Resilient Response

In dialogue with Ms. Tsakani Furumele

In this enlightening episode of the World Health Organization (WHO) South Africa podcast, we take you on a journey through South Africa's triumphant battle against the Cholera Outbreak. With Ms. Tsakani Furumele from the National Department of Health (NDOH), we uncover the remarkable story of containment within just 165 days of the outbreak's official declaration!

The Cholera outbreak began with two initial cases in Gauteng, both linked to neighboring countries grappling with Cholera. It swiftly spread across five provinces, impacting 17 out of 52 districts, with a solitary imported case in KwaZulu Natal. By July 31, 2023, the nation reported 1,380 cases and 47 tragic deaths, resulting in a case fatality rate of 3.4%.

Discover how the World Health Organization (WHO) in South Africa, along with esteemed partners like UNICEF, Medecins Sans Frontiers (MSF), and the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), rallied behind the National Department of Health to contain the outbreak.

An After-Action Review (AAR) was conducted to assess the response's effectiveness and capture valuable insights. Learn about the critical capacities instrumental in managing the outbreak, from national response plans to laboratory services and community engagement channels.

The AAR revealed best practices that played a pivotal role in containment, including multisectoral coordination and the establishment of the Kanana Treatment Center. However, it also unveiled challenges, such as the need for updated guidelines and improved cross-border engagement.

Join us as we explore the recommendations born from this exercise, providing a roadmap to strengthen South Africa's preparedness and response to future public health emergencies.

South Africa's success in containing the cholera outbreak reflects resilience and collaborative efforts. The lessons learned will undoubtedly enhance the nation's readiness for any future health crisis. Don't miss this inspiring episode showcasing the power of unity in public health.

Learn more about the After Action Review here.

This conversation was recorded on 30 August 2023.

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