Outbreaks of Cholera and other contagious diseases are common in the country and this calls for the government to devise, not only emergency responses but permanent solutions.
Emergencies are, but like purchasing an Ambulance for a community that experiences frequent drowning of their members in a river, it can save lives and at times come late when victims are gone. Whereas, building a bridge across the river serves as a permanent remedy.
The National Ministry of Health, other line ministries in collaboration with partners must plan the total eradication of this contagious disease in the country and this is possible.
For instance, South Sudan was among the last countries harboring Guinea Worm but with the help of the Carter Centre, this dreaded Dracula worm has been much contained, thanks to the efforts of the health ministry.
Cholera is a disease that thrives out of an unhygienic environment and one weapon to fight it is to improve sanitation and hygiene in the community through sensitization.
Despite it being difficult to sink pit latrines in some areas due to the nature of the soil and terrene, the government must step in to provide Ecosan toilets in sandy and rocky places, to save lives.
Vaccination of the community can be done as part of the emergency response but it may not be viable in the long run and also the drugs have not been used in several countries to determine its suitability in long run.
As the prevailing outbreaks seem to emanate as efforts of congestion in settlements or camps, decongesting the people could be another alternative in response to alleviate the problem at hand.
However, much as the government and partners exert energy in establishing a healthy atmosphere for the people, the community has a role to play. They must be receptive and adhere to the standard of operation (SOP).