“IOM WORKS WITH PARTNERS TO REDUCE THE MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY OF COMMUNITIES VULNERABLE TO CHOLERA”
With limited access to basic health care and safe drinking water, Kenya has suffered several cholera outbreaks in vulnerable regions since 1971. Cholera, an acute diarrhoeal disease that can kill within hours if left untreated, is often spread through contaminated water or food. It is a major concern for mobile populations, pastoralist communities and remote regions in Kenya which have limited health care facilities and severely lack sanitation management and awareness. In 2009, Kenya reported 11,769 cases of cholera; the highest number in 10 years. 274 people lost their lives as a result. In partnership with the Kenyan Government, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) launched an immediate response.