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Over 15,000 cases of cholera reported in Sierra Leone
06.09.2012 08:02 "Agro Perspectiva" (Kyiv) —
More than 15,000 cases of cholera have been reported across Sierra Leone since the beginning of this year, says UN Radio referring to the United Nations Humanitarian Agency (OCHA).
Last month the countrys president declared a national emergency after the disease claimed the lives of over 200 people.
UN spokesperson Martin Nersiky says United Nations agencies, including the World Health Organization and UNICEF, are supporting government efforts to combat cholera in Sierra Leone.
«UN agencies and humanitarian partners say that the epidemic, which is affecting 14 out of 15 districts, has dramatically worsened during August and the number of deaths has more than doubled in recent weeks to nearly 250. The Government is reporting that this is the worst cholera outbreak in 15 years and has declared a national public health emergency,» emphasizes Mr. Nersiky.
Outbreaks of cholera happen in areas that lack clean water and sanitation facilities such as slums or refugee camps.
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