Kilamba Kiaxi, Luanda –In the heart of Kilamba Kiaxi municipality in Luanda, the Zape Mbundu Medical Center, led by Director Pedro Zavelela, is playing an important role in Angola’s fight against the ongoing cholera outbreak. Opened in 2001, the private clinic is now home to one of the first Oral Rehydration Points (ORPs) established in Luanda with support from the World Health Organization (WHO) and funding from the European Union through the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO).
ORPs are critical, community-based units that provide lifesaving oral rehydration therapy to people suffering from cholera and acute watery diarrhea. They serve as the first line of treatment, helping stabilize patients and reduce severe dehydration while they transfer to larger Cholera Treatment Units (CTUs) if necessary.
With more than 24,500 cholera cases and over 700 reported deaths since the beginning of the outbreak, these decentralized centers are proving essential in bringing rapid care closer to the community.
The ORP at Zape Mbundu Medical Center highlights the valuable role that the private health sector can play in supporting the government’s outbreak response and strengthening Angola’s broader healthcare delivery. “This is a strong example of how private facilities can contribute during public health emergencies,” said Pedro Zavelela, noting that his center has long worked in coordination with local authorities.
Importantly, the ORP is also staffed by trained community volunteers, including members of JUCARENTE, a youth association with a history of collaboration with WHO on key public health events such as World Health Day and polio immunization campaigns. “JUCARENTE gives young people an opportunity to learn, give back, and serve their communities,” said a Omotola Akindipe, External Relations and Partnerships office at WHO Angola. “Their energy and commitment are one of the highlights of our outreach.”
WHO, with ECHO funding, is scaling up this model across Angola, with five located ORPs being established in Luanda alone. These efforts aim to reduce mortality, improve access to care, and strengthen community resilience in the face of the country’s ongoing health challenges.
As Angola continues its nationwide cholera response, this partnership between the public sector, private clinics, international donors, and youth volunteers offers a hopeful model for coordinated, community-centered action.
