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Catholic Official in Angola Urges Government to Intensify Efforts to Combat Cholera amid Water Shortage

The Episcopal delegate for Catholic Schools in Angolas’ Catholic Diocese of Caxito has called for government action to combat the cholera epidemic affecting three provinces in the country.  

In an interview with ACI Africa on Saturday, January 18, Fr. Evaristo de Assunção Nangayapwa acknowledged the efforts made by authorities to tame the spread of the deadly disease, but highlighted the critical water shortage hindering containment measures.

“We have indeed seen substantial action by the authorities to stem the outbreak, as the Head of State himself urged. However, much remains to be done to prevent this disease from spreading to other regions,” the Catholic Priest said.

The cholera outbreak, now in its second week, has impacted the provinces of Luanda, Bengo, and Icolo e Bengo.

According to Angola’s Ministry of Health bulletin released on January 16, the country has reported 383 cases and 22 deaths. A new Oral Rehydration Post and Cholera Treatment Center with 100 beds has been set up in the Paraíso neighborhood of Cacuaco, Luanda’s provincial epicenter.

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In the January 18 interview, Fr. Nangayapwa expressed concerns about inadequate health emergency services in the country, saying, “Just yesterday, a sister felt seriously ill, and when we sought medical assistance at the Petro field testing site late at night, there was no staff available. They informed us that services only run until 7 p.m.”

“If we are serious about halting this disease and saving lives, care must be available around the clock,” he recounted.

The Catholic Priest also expressed concern about water scarcity in many parts of Angola, stressing that clean water is vital in preventing cholera. 

“We need to mobilize all possible resources, human, technical, and mechanical. Without adequate water supply, we cannot effectively combat this disease,” Fr. Nangayapwa said. 

Authorities in Angola shut down private underground water tanks to curb contamination, promising mobile water tanks. The water tanks promised have not been delivered, forcing residents to purchase water at inflated prices.

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“People now wake up before dawn, scramble for limited water, or pay exorbitant prices,” Fr. Nangayapwa lamented.

Faulting the lack of enforcement against illegal water commercialization, the Priest said, “Contrary to official claims, many tanks are still operational. Families fight for access, and only those who rise early or pay can obtain water. The authorities must investigate and ensure that water reaches the people as promised.”

Fr. Nangayapwa outlined the Church's proactive role in addressing the spread of cholera in the country, saying, “We are conducting door-to-door awareness campaigns through parish scout groups and lay associations. We are teaching the community about symptoms, prevention, and appropriate hygiene practices.”

The Catholic Priest highlighted preventive actions promoted by the Church to keep the disease at bay. These include boiling drinking water, thoroughly cooking and washing food with treated water, sterilizing hands, and avoiding street foods exposed to flies. 

He also recommended traditional remedies to the disease, such as using crushed garlic and chlorinated water for initial treatment of symptoms like stomach pain.

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Fr. Nangayapwa called for sustained vigilance and collaboration in taming the disease, saying, “The inter-ministerial committee must intensify its efforts, inspect water supply points, and ensure fair distribution. We call on everyone to remain informed and united in this critical fight against cholera.”

João Vissesse is an Angolan Journalist with a passion and rich experience in Catholic Church Communication and Media Apostolate.