Amaiya Cholera Outbreak Rapid Reponse Project This project is a rapid response to a cholera outbreak in Amaiya Village in Samburu district which has as of 24th June 2010 claimed 14 lives and left more than 600 others hospitalized. As the situation prevails, with virtually no response from the Kenya Government and other international organizations, the outbreak has continued to spread and is now threatening to affect an increasing number of people not only in Samburu but other neighbouring district of Pokot and Baringo. 

Despite repeated press coverage, the crisis has failed to grab the attention of the Government and other aid agencies present on the ground.  CAFOD has been partnering with the Diocese of Maralal to respond to a drought that has been prevailing in the area prior to the current crisis and has now approached CAFOD to support with funding and technical support to conduct a rapid assessment and respond to the crisis.

CAFOD has already carried out preliminary appraisal of the situation through its Regional Humanitarian Coordinator and the Emergency Response Officer for the Horn and East Africa region who visited Maralal between the 18-24th of June 2010. The preliminary appraisal shows an urgent need to provide immediate assistance targeting.

At this stage, CAFOD and the Diocese of Maralal are looking at realizing the Goal of halting the spread of Cholera and safeguarding the population or Amaiya and Surrounding areas.  This will entail the twin objectives of;

a)	Case management and treatment of cholera affected people. 

b)	Protecting  vulnerable and at risk populations from public health risks associated with poor water and sanitation 

The key outcomes from this project are defined as;

c)	Cholera outbreak in Amaiya contained.
d)	
e)	Knowledge and awareness on cholera prevention amongst at risk and vulnerable population increased to over 75% of the target population.

f)	Over 75% of the at risk an vulnerable population in Amaiya using  safe water and sanitation facilities

These two objectives would be realised through both immediate short term as well as intermediate interventions lasting between 2- 12 weeks.



Immediate interventions (2-4 weeks duration) will include;
i)	Procurement and provision of essential drugs and supplies to Diocesan clinics to treat and manage the spread of Cholera.
ii)	Conduct weekly mobile clinics for disease surveillance case management in outlying areas.
iii)	Emergency Household water supplies chlorination through provision of chlorine tablets. 
iv)	Conduct hygiene education and awareness campaigns to raise public awareness on prevention and control of Cholera;

Intermediate interventions 4-12 weeks will include;
i)	Rehabilitation, construction and development of safe water supplies. 
ii)	Conduct hygiene education and awareness campaigns to raise public awareness on prevention and control of Cholera.

The project will be implemented through the Development office of the Diocese of Maralal and CAFOD will provide monitoring and technical support. The Diocese of Maralal Development Office will liaise with the Ministry of Health, WHO, UNICEF and other INGOs present in the area when carrying out this project to ensure coordination and coherence in approach. CAFOD will be monitoring and providing situation updates on the project on fortnightly for the first 4 weeks and then every month the remainder of the project.