14 August 2024 | WHO Regional Office for South-East Asia
As of 9 August 2024, the situation in Yangon and Rakhine states is concerning due to a surge in acute watery diarrhea (AWD) cases, some of which are severe and associated with cholera. In Yangon, 2,261 hospitalized AWD cases and 161 with severe dehydration were reported, with 15 deaths, though causes are unknown. The most affected areas include Thaketa, Hlaingthayar, Botahtaung, Dawbon, and Thingangyun. AWD cases in Rakhine increased from mid-June, with a notable rise in late July, including severe dehydration cases, and some confirmed cholera infections.
The WHO and health authorities held meetings to coordinate responses, including a high-level meeting on 31 July 2024, and discussions with ECHO and partners. A joint response plan was being finalized. WHO provided additional laboratory supplies, including cholera test kits and rapid diagnostic tests, to support surveillance and diagnosis.
RCCE materials were shared with stakeholders, and over 3,000 pamphlets were distributed to communities. WHO offered training on infection prevention and control, and most civil society organizations are implementing IPC activities, such as water chlorination and household disinfection.
WHO provided health commodities, including oral rehydration salts, bleaching powder, and emergency health kits. Challenges include limited real-time data and the need for sustained investment in health and WASH. The WHO-UNICEF joint plan aims to contain the outbreak, prevent spill-over, and coordinate responses according to standard protocols. Effective public health measures and long-term investments are needed for sustainable control.As of 9 August 2024, the situation in Yangon and Rakhine states is concerning due to a surge in acute watery diarrhea (AWD) cases, some of which are severe and associated with cholera. In Yangon, 2,261 hospitalized AWD cases and 161 with severe dehydration were reported, with 15 deaths, though causes are unknown. The most affected areas include Thaketa, Hlaingthayar, Botahtaung, Dawbon, and Thingangyun. AWD cases in Rakhine increased from mid-June, with a notable rise in late July, including severe dehydration cases, and some confirmed cholera infections.
The WHO and health authorities held meetings to coordinate responses, including a high-level meeting on 31 July 2024, and discussions with ECHO and partners. A joint response plan was being finalized. WHO provided additional laboratory supplies, including cholera test kits and rapid diagnostic tests, to support surveillance and diagnosis.
RCCE materials were shared with stakeholders, and over 3,000 pamphlets were distributed to communities. WHO offered training on infection prevention and control, and most civil society organizations are implementing IPC activities, such as water chlorination and household disinfection.
WHO provided health commodities, including oral rehydration salts, bleaching powder, and emergency health kits. Challenges include limited real-time data and the need for sustained investment in health and WASH. The WHO-UNICEF joint plan aims to contain the outbreak, prevent spill-over, and coordinate responses according to standard protocols. Effective public health measures and long-term investments are needed for sustainable control.