Background: In addition to improving water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) measures and optimal case management, the introduction of Oral cholera vaccine (OCV) is a complementary strategy for cholera prevention and control for vulnerable population groups. Cholera is still a major global health problem, affecting mainly people living in unsanitary conditions and who are at risk for outbreaks of cholera. The objective of our study is to assess the incidence after a mass vaccination campaign against the cholera epidemic in North Kivu Province, especially in four health zone which are near lake Kivu and Edward.
Methods: We did a cross-sectional survey in the areas included as part of the target population of the 2019 OCV campaign in North Kivu province, which was organized from May 28 to June 1, 2019. A study team collected data through a survey and in-depth interviews during two weeks (09-22 december 2019)
Results: The overall vaccination coverage with at least one dose in this four health zone was 101.5%. The highest administrative coverage provided by the Ministry of Health was observed among children under 4 years of age in the Goma health zone (188.0%). While among those aged 5 to 14, the highest coverage was that observed in the Kirosthe HZ (138.2%). On the other hand, among those over 15 years old, the Kibirizi health zone had the highest coverage, 85.1%. The incidence of cholera before the OCV mass campaign was around 45.6% against 2.4% after.
Conclusions: The findings revealed a single dose of oral cholera vaccine can be used as a means of preventing cholera during an epidemic in North Kivu.
Impact Factor
2022: 6.012
This work is licensed under a