Right now, cholera is spreading rapidly throughout Ethiopia. In 2023, there were over 30,000 cases and more than 400 deaths in Ethiopia alone.

This year, the spread of cholera has accelerated – In the last 3 months alone, Ethiopia has had nearly 10,000 cases and over 100 deaths from cholera.

Would you help us fund the supplies needed to fight cholera and to support our work in Ethiopia?

Right now, cholera is mainly spreading in the Oromia region of Ethiopia, including the area where we work. The Ethiopian government has asked us, along with all other organizations in the area, to work together and do everything we can to fight the spread of the disease.

What is Cholera?

Cholera is a bacterial disease causing severe diarrhea and dehydration, usually spread in water. Cholera is fatal if not treated right away. Key symptoms are diarrhea and dehydration. Treatment includes rehydration, IV fluids, and antibiotics.

Cholera spreads due to low access to clean water, decent sanitation and good hygiene. The people most affected by the cholera outbreak do not have access to safe water sources, and therefore use unprotected sources like rivers and streams which can accelerate the spread of the disease.

What is needed to fight the cholera outbreak?

1. Sanitary supplies (soap and bleach)

2. Medicine

3. Beds and blankets

4. Plastic covers

5. Fuel for government vehicles to transport first responders

6. Per diem for first responders

7. Water purifiers

8. Water treatment chemicals

9. Building and renovating latrines

Although this type of emergency response doesn’t fall within our normal work helping children and women, it is critical that we join the efforts to stop cholera from spreading further.

This is a developing situation and we are working quickly to do what we can in response to this urgent need. Would you help us fund the supplies needed to fight cholera and to support our work in Ethiopia?