Meningitis Cases Reported in SNNPR

Addis Ababa

Suspected cases of meningitis were reported from Kambata Tembaro and Hadiya zones in SNNPR last week, according to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA).

A total of six cases with one death were reported in Adorro Tuntoo, Kadida, Kaccha Birra, and Tenbarro woredas in Kambata Tembaro zone, the UN agency said in its humanitria weekly bulletin.

ONOCHA added that, in Hadiya zone, five cases and one death were reported from Hadiya hospital.

It said laboratory investigation is underway to confirm the reports .
In late December 2007, the Federal Ministry of Health (FMoH) alerted humanitarian partners to be prepared for a possible large scale Meningitis outbreak.
Following the alert, the FMoH in collaboration with partners developed a preparedness and response plan seeking for US$ 28 million.

The plan focuses on pre-positioning of vaccines, drugs and medical supplies.

It also plans to enhance a disease surveillance system, training of health workers on case detection, appropriate case management and community awareness raising, according to OCHA.