Spatiotemporal dynamics of cholera in the Democratic Republic of the Congo before and during the implementation of the Multisectoral Cholera Elimination Plan: a cross-sectional study from 2000 to 2021

Abstract

Despite the implementation of three MCEPs, the cholera context in the DRC remains largely unchanged since the pre-MCEP period. To better orient cholera elimination activities, the method used to classify priority health zones should be optimized by analyzing epidemiological; water, sanitation and hygiene; socio-economic; environmental and health indicators at the local level. Improvements should also be made regarding the implementation of the MCEP, reporting of funded activities and surveillance of cholera cases. Additional studies should aim to identify specific bottlenecks and gaps in the coordination and strategic efforts of cholera elimination interventions at the local, national and international levels.