Cholera death toll continues to rise

The World Health Organization (WHO) has sent a consignment of drugs, re-hydration salts and disinfectant to help fight a cholera outbreak that has claimed close to 1,900 lives in Angola.

An estimated 46,758 people have been infected since February when the epidemic began in the capital, Luanda. It has since spread to 14 of the country's 18 provinces.

In a statement released this week, WHO said despite an overall decline in the infection rate, 125 cases were still being reported each day.

"I am afraid of cholera because it kills, that is all I know. It killed lots of people in my neighbourhood, we had funeral after funeral," said 20-year-old street vendor Procura Joao Calumba. "Government must take steps to end cholera, otherwise we are in trouble."

According to WHO, 35 percent of cholera victims have been children aged under five. Although the UN agency said there were signs the epidemic was slowing in the provinces of Kwanza Norte, Bengo and Malange, the medical charity Medicines Sans Frontiers (MSF) noted it had worsened in Namibe and Luanda provinces.

"We were so worried - it takes just one family member to be contaminated and every one is at risk," said Maria Alice, a street vendor in the Luanda shantytown of Sao Paulo.

Cholera is a waterborne disease spread by poor sanitation. It has taken hold in Angola where safe drinking water is a luxury, and the majority of Luanda's citizens live in overcrowded slums.

The government has tried to drive home awareness on the risks associated with poor hygiene.

"Now we need to maintain sanitation. Many people increased their cleanliness and care with water and food after hearing about cholera but this should become permanent," said Alice.