Libya’s Health Ministry and General Command Develop Emergency Plan to Prevent Cholera Spread

Ismail Al-Aida, head of the emergency room at the Ministry of Health in the Libyan Government, In a statement to Al Arabiya.net, he affirmed that the ministry, in cooperation with the General Command, “has prepared an emergency plan and a precautionary program to prevent the spread of infection, especially within the city of Kufra, where there are about 65,000 displaced people. We have raised the degree of readiness and investigation.”
These measures were taken after the World Health Organization announced the spread of cholera in 18 areas within Sudan. The Displacement and Refugee Coordination in Sudan’s Darfur region also revealed that the cumulative number of cholera cases has risen to 10,297, including 416 deaths since the outbreak began.
Al-Aida pointed out that these alarming statistics reflect the scale of the risks and pressures Libya faces from the potential transfer of the epidemic to its territory, especially since displaced people are entering regularly through large, open borders.
He also explained that the readiness of investigation teams has been raised, their numbers increased, and they have been trained on how to confront the epidemic. Efforts have also been made to provide the necessary tests and laboratories for cholera detection and to organize awareness campaigns among the displaced to inform them about the dangers and prevention methods of the epidemic, which is primarily transmitted through contaminated drinking water and food.
While he confirmed that no cholera cases have been recorded in Libya, he stated that the Ministry of Health has made a plan in Kufra to deal with any potential cases. The plan includes preparing beds and alternative accommodation for the displaced, and conducting regular medical follow-ups and examinations on new arrivals entering Libyan territory.
Al-Aida affirmed that the healthcare sector in Kufra has collapsed after two years of providing free medical services and care to Sudanese displaced persons. He held the UN and international organizations responsible for not providing adequate support or intervening to supply medical and logistical needs, despite the promises they had made.