PEMBA November 03, 2020 – About 312,600 people from hot-spot cholera districts prone for outbreaks in Cabo Delgado Province, including internally displaced persons (IDPs), were vaccinated against the disease in the first and second rounds, both conducted in September and October respectively. A high coverage rate of 85%, according to the results released by the Provincial Health Directorate of Cabo Delgado (DPS).

With the Oral Cholera Vaccination Campaign (OCV), the Government of Mozambique, with the support of the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) and the World Alliance for Vaccination and Immunization ( GAVI) intends to block the transmission of Cholera, which has been severely affecting some districts of Cabo Delgado Province and which has already resulted in more than 1,600 cases and 27 deaths since last February.
“The cholera vaccine, taken orally, develops immunity in the person one week after taking it for a period of six to nine months. With the administration of the two doses up to 2 weeks in between, vaccinated individuals gain immunity against cholera for a period of between three to five years, thus reducing the risk of cholera outbreaks previously experienced especially during rainy seasons”, said the Dr. Tomás Valdez, WHO Interim Representative in Mozambique.

"Cholera vaccine is a cost-effective measure hence WHO, UNICEF and other partners have volunteered to support national and provincial authorities in carrying out this Vaccination Campaign," affirmed the WHO Interim Representative.
It should be noted that the Oral Cholera Vaccination Campaign (OVC) covered people from 1 year of age on. It included pregnant women and the elderly people from the districts of Pemba, Ancuabe, Ibo, Macomia, Palma and Metuge. The launch of this activity was overseen by H.E the Prime Minister Eng. Carlos Agostinho do Rosário on behalf of His Excellency the President of the Republic, Filipe Jacinto Nyusi.