As cholera confirmed among Burnundian refugees in Tanzania, Oxfam delivers water and sanitation to reduce spread of disease

DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania, May 20, 2015/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- Overcrowding, lack of clean water and sanitation facilities among Burundian refugees in Tanzania means risk of disease outbreak is alarmingly high, particularly among the estimated 40,000 refugees at the border town Kagunga.

Already 20 cases of cholera have been confirmed in Kagunga and Nyarugusu refugee camp, where new arrivals are being transported. The UN reports that 1057 cases of acute watery diarrhoea have been recorded at Kagunga, where refugees wait for boat transportation to the camp, Lake Tanganyika Stadium and Nyarugusu camp.

Clean water, medical care and proper sanitation are urgently needed. Oxfam is working with local partner TWESA to fix existing tap stands at Kagunga beach, as well as to build additional latrines to reduce the risk of disease spreading among the refugee population. Oxfam will also begin work at Nyarugusu to increase clean water supply and build emergency latrines to cope with the huge numbers.

Approximately 22,000 refugees have been transported from Kagunga to Nyarugusu camp, where they are being temporarily being housed in schools and churches, as aid agencies source supplies needed to build appropriate shelter. Medical facilities at the camp have been overwhelmed by the number of sick people.

Early and rapid response is essential in containing the spread of water-borne diseases such as cholera.