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Thursday, February 16, 2012

Uganda: Water Shortage Hits Kasese, Escalates Cholera Outbreak

Via All Africa :

" Government officials and non-governmental organisations in Kasese District have joined efforts to fight cholera in Bukonzo West where the disease resurfaced two weeks ago.

This comes after one person died and at least 100 cases were treated at Bwera Hospital last week.

In an interview with Daily Monitor on Tuesday, Bwera Hospital administrator Pedson Buthalha attributed the cholera outbreak to water scarcity in the cotton growing area of Nyakiyumbu Sub-county in Bukonzo West. He said: "Due to shortage of water, people have resorted to drinking dirty and contaminated water." However, he said the situation was being contained as the number of cholera patients had reduced to 26 at the weekend.

The district chairperson, Rtd Lt. Col. Mawa Muhindo, who is leading the campaign, asked residents to maintain hygiene in their homes. He asked village leaders to reprimand heads of families who lack proper pit- latrines. But Ms Grace Kabugho, a resident of Nyakiyumbu, blames local leaders for failing to sensitise communities on sanitation and enforcing the law on time."

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