Launch of the Campaign to Raise Awareness of the Fight Against the Cholera 

On November 2, 2023, the Salama Foundation, in collaboration with the Umoja Islamic Imara Association, initiated a determined campaign to curb the cholera epidemic in Bujumbura and prevent its spread to other areas. The campaign began with a particular focus on the Buyenzi Zone, where the initial signs of the epidemic were observed.

High-ranking representatives, including the deputy legal representative of the Umoja Islamic Imara Association, the executive secretary of the Salama Foundation, the district chief of the 5th district, and an experienced hygiene doctor, visited the 18th and 19th streets of the Buyenzi Zone to educate residents about preventive measures.

The core messages of the campaign emphasise basic hygiene practices, including regular handwashing with soap, the use of toilets, and the use of clean water for food preparation and drinking. Residents received advice on avoiding contaminated water, proper handling of fecal matter near water sources, and the crucial practice of handwashing with soap after using the toilet, before cooking, and before eating.

Cholera, a disease characterised by acute, severe diarrhoea can lead to death rapidly if not adequately treated. The disease is caused by a bacterium transmitted through contaminated food or water that has come into contact with feces.

The Salama Foundation stressed the importance of effective sanitation measures and an informed community as key to controlling cholera. The campaign not only included information but also practical advice for residents to minimise the risk of infection.

It is crucial to emphasise that the success of these efforts depends not only on the dissemination of information but also on the active participation of the community in the proposed measures. The Salama Foundation continues its efforts to contain cholera in Bujumbura through comprehensive awareness and targeted interventions to protect the health of the population.