Mozambique: WHO warns against misinformation of cholera outbreak spread
The World Health Organization has warned against misinformation of the spread of cholera outbreak. This is coming as a result of the false claims about the spread of a cholera outbreak in northern Mozambique that have led to violent protests and deaths, according to health officials.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has highlighted instances in which misinformation about the disease has contributed to the unrest.
In one recent incident, a man was beaten to death in the town of Gurue in Zambezia province by people who falsely accused him of spreading cholera, according to health officials.
Cholera thrives in conditions where water sanitation is inadequate but some online posts claim falsely that measures implemented by local health officials, such as adding chlorine to water supplies and the use of purifiers, are in fact spreading the disease.
The WHO Africa representative in Mozambique, Severin von Xylander, says misinformation is dangerous because it can fuel behaviour that drives the spread of disease.
According to newsmen reports, almost all violent cases related to cholera stem from misinformation.
Mozambique has been battling an outbreak of the disease since September last year.It’s one of many countries in the region facing rising cases of cholera, including South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe, DR Congo and Kenya.
“This, in turn, undermines trust in health authorities, which hampers public health responses and ultimately prolongs outbreaks, “ Xylander added.
BBC/S.S
