Ogaden: More than 18 inmates died of cholera in Jail Ogaden Jigjiga, 10-Apr-2010 - Cholera has hit Ethiopia's main jail in Somali Regional State, known Jail Ogaden, with over 18 inmates said to have died over the past 9 days alone.
Reliable sources within jail administration told wabishabeele.com that poor sanitary conditions and the generally deplorable state of this jail is hampering efforts by health officials to control the desease.

In order to stop the spread of the desease, the government is said to have prevented family members and relatives from visiting loved ones in this jail.

Family members and relatives are angered by the government's action. "We do not know what is going on in Jail Ogaden, if you have relative there you can not know whether he or she is alive or died. No one is allowed to visit inside the jail," said young man who refused to be named.

Cholera is an acute diarrhea infection. It is transmitted primarily through contaminated water and food. Contracting cholera can lead to death within hours by severe dehydration and kidney failure.

Several former inmates of Jail Ogaden, who were recently released, told wabishabeele.com that there was mass starvation in Jail Ogaden due to a serious shortage of food while sanitary facility was in a deplorable state.

Jail Ogaden is known to be overcrowded. Most inmates are either former ONLF members or its sympathizers. The jail population is said to be 50 times the size of its official holding capacity.