Cameroon Cholera Outbreak Intensifies in Minawao Refugee Camp

Minawao Refugee Camp, home to about 81,000 refugees, is operating at 324 % of its intended capacity. As of August 30, the camp’s Cholera Treatment Unit recorded 304 admissions and four deaths, while Cameroon’s national tally reached 2,075 cases and 53 deaths across 13 health districts. International Medical Corps (IMC) is coordinating with health authorities, UN agencies, and humanitarian partners to contain the outbreak. IMC has added staff, medicines, and supplies, and is strengthening surveillance, community alert systems, and hygiene promotion. Active case‑finding reached 17,171 households, referred 53 suspected cases, disinfected 2,256 households and 15 places of worship, and conducted 371 sensitization sessions that reached 67,561 people. A five‑day oral cholera vaccination campaign began on August 30. IMC has set up temporary treatment tents; 148 patients are currently under observation against a 28‑bed baseline, and the unit urgently needs about 100 additional beds. IMC is working to procure 45 more beds to expand capacity to 65.