The Government of Mozambique has raised serious concerns over the spread of misinformation about cholera in Cabo Delgado province, warning that false narratives are hampering efforts to control the disease.
The warning was issued on Wednesday, February 4, by the Governor of Cabo Delgado, Valige Tauabo, during the official launch of a cholera vaccination campaign in Pemba city. He urged residents to ignore rumors and rely on information provided by health authorities.
Governor Tauabo said there are growing reports of false claims suggesting that cholera is being spread by health workers or government authorities, a situation he described as dangerous and misleading.
“We call on the population of Cabo Delgado to distance themselves from rumors and false information claiming that cholera is brought by health workers or authorities. Health personnel are on the ground to save lives and support families,” he said.
The vaccination campaign is taking place from February 4 to 8 and targets people aged one year and above in the districts of Pemba and Metuge. A total of 436,906 people are expected to be vaccinated, including 328,450 in Pemba and 108,456 in Metuge.
The governor emphasized that vaccination alone is not enough and must go hand in hand with preventive measures.
“The fight against cholera requires the active involvement of everyone through simple but effective measures such as proper use of latrines, safe water storage, water treatment before consumption, and regular handwashing,” he stressed.
Valige Tauabo reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to working closely with development partners, community leaders, and the public to prevent cholera and other waterborne diseases.
The campaign comes at a time when Cabo Delgado is facing a cholera outbreak exacerbated by widespread misinformation and the destruction of some health facilities in affected districts, a situation authorities describe as deeply concerning. (Mozanorte)
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