Mass vaccination campaign launched

Dr. Faouzouz Ben Aboubacar, head of epidemiological surveillance in the Comoros, fears that cholera could become a pandemic due to citizens’ refusal to get vaccinated.

The country is facing difficulties, as a new wave of cholera has been observed since October 14th, particularly in the north of Ngazidja, following the earlier cases this year. Between September 14 and October 13, 198 new cases were reported by health authorities. Currently, the Comoros has recorded 10,540 reported cases, including 1,125 probable cases confirmed through Rapid Diagnostic Tests, and 9,415 cases identified based on clinical symptoms and epidemiological links.

While a mass vaccination campaign has been launched, Dr. Faouzouz Ben Aboubacar expressed concern that only half of Ngazidja’s population seems to care about their health. With a vaccination rate of just 50 %, the risk remains high. Even individuals who have been vaccinated are beginning to lose their immunity.

« We are worried about this situation », he said. In Mwali, 68 % of the population has been vaccinated, while in Ndzuani, the rate is 72 %, and in Ngazidja, only 39 %. According to Dr. Faouzouz, the epidemiological situation in Ndzuani is particularly dire, with more than half of the cumulative cases and deaths recorded there. However, he expressed gratitude that thanks to the trust placed in the effectiveness of the vaccination, the situation has finally stabilized.