UN sounds alarm about cholera outbreak in Syria
DAMASCUS, Syria (North Press) – On Tuesday, the United Nations (UN) expressed its “serious concern” over the ongoing cholera outbreak in Syria.
The outbreak is believed to be linked to the contaminated water coming from the Euphrates River.
“Based on a rapid assessment conducted by health authorities and partners, the source of infection is believed to be linked to people drinking unsafe water from the Euphrates River and using contaminated water to irrigate crops, resulting in food contamination,” the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Syria, Imran Riza, said in a report.
On September 10, Health Board of the Autonomous Administration of North and East Syria (AANES) announced three deaths of cholera in Raqqa and Deir ez-Zor.
On September 11, al-Razi Governmental Hospital in the city of Aleppo, northern Syria, revealed the recording of two deaths of cholera infections and 35 confirmed cases.
The UN in Syria called on donor countries for urgent additional funding to contain the outbreak and prevent it from spreading.
It urged all concerned parties to ensure unimpeded and sustained access to affected communities.
Riza warned that cholera remains a global threat to public health and an indicator of inequity.
The UN report pointed out that water shortages are forcing households to resort to negative coping mechanisms, such as changing hygiene practices or increasing household debt to afford water costs.