The Comoros government launched a long-awaited cholera vaccination drive on Thursday, aiming to curb an outbreak that has claimed 134 lives since February.
The campaign began on the island of Anjouan, the poorest and worst-hit region in the three-island nation.
Over 1,300 children received the first oral dose of the vaccine, marking a crucial step in containing the spread of the disease.
Anjouan’s proximity to the French territory of Mayotte, which has reported two cholera deaths since March, raises concerns about further transmission.
Health officials believe the outbreak originated in Tanzania, mainland Africa, where cholera is endemic, likely arriving by boat in February.
Cholera is a serious bacterial infection spread through contaminated food and water.
It causes severe diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle cramps, and can be fatal if left untreated.
The vaccination drive signifies a critical effort by the Comoros to prevent further deaths and control the ongoing outbreak.
