IOM and DELTARES work to prevent cholera in Cameroon

Cholera is an acute diarrheal illness with high morbidity and mortality rates and is one of the main public health issues in Asia and Africa. Periods of heavy flooding, such as those experienced by Cameroon in 2022, can further exacerbate cholera outbreaks.

Deltares, the United Nations University - MERIT, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Cameroon have formed a strategic collaboration to tackle cholera outbreaks in Cameroon. The collaboration follows the severe floods and subsequent cholera outbreak in 2022. 

Research will be conducted to determine and assess the relevant risk factors (such as water, sanitation, and hygiene practices) which further the spread of cholera in crisis-affected areas in the north of Cameroon. There will be a special focus in and around the Minawao refugee camp, camps for internally displaced persons, and centres for ex-associates of armed groups.

Field work will be carried out by Tarek Jaber, an epidemiologist Fellow at Deltares and UNU-MERIT, and Thairry Ebong, intern at Deltares and UNU-MERIT. This will include conducting interviews on cholera prevention and control measures with staff from the IOM, partner organisations, and local authorities. Focus group discussions will also be held with camp inhabitants and members from the host community to explore cholera risk factors and assess the role of mobility and cross-border migration in cholera outbreaks.