WHO Pledges To Slash Number Of Cholera Deaths By 90% By 2030
A Global Task Force on Cholera Control (GTFCC), a diverse global network of organizations including more than 50 and international agencies, academic institutions, and NGOs that supports countries affected by the disease has been launched by the WHO. The ambitious new strategy vows to end cholera by 2030.
The road map aims to align resources, share best practices and strengthen partnerships between affected countries, donors, and international agencies. It underscores the need for a coordinated approach to cholera control with country-level planning for early detection and response to outbreaks. By implementing the road map, up to 20 countries and regions affected by the disease could eliminate cholera or at least slash the number of related deaths by 90% by 2030.
Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal infection caused by ingestion of food or water contaminated with the bacterium Vibrio cholera. It can spread quickly and widely in cramped, dirty conditions. The disease, which is spread through contaminated water, kills about 100,000 people every year.
This is the first time governments, the World Health Organization, aid agencies and donors have made such a pledge.
The infection is cheap to treat with
rehydration salts, and easy to avoid altogether if people have access to clean water and decent toilet facilities. But about two billion people globally lack access to clean water and are potentially at risk of cholera, according to the World Health Organization.“Every death from cholera is preventable with the tools available today, including use of the oral cholera vaccine and improved access to basic safe water, sanitation and hygiene as set out in the roadmap,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, PhD, said in a news release. “This is a disease of inequity that affects the poorest and most vulnerable. It is unacceptable that, nearly 2 decades into the 21st century, cholera continues to destroy livelihoods and cripple economies. We must act together, and we must act now.”
The announcement comes as Yemen continues to fight one of the worst cholera outbreaks on record. Cholera has been spreading in the war-torn country due to deteriorating hygiene and sanitation conditions and disruptions to the water supply. More than 770,000 people have been infected with the disease, which is easily treatable with the right medical equipment, and 2,000 have died. Many of the victims are children.
Cholera disproportionally impacts communities already burdened by conflict, lack of infrastructure, poor health systems, and malnutrition. Protecting these communities before cholera strikes is significantly more cost-effective than continually responding to outbreaks. The introduction of the oral cholera vaccine has been a game-changer in the battle to control cholera – bridging the gap between emergency response and longer-term control.
With two WHO-approved oral cholera vaccines now available, for just $6 per person, individuals can be fully vaccinated for up to three years of protection.
The ‘Global Roadmap’ in discussion provides an effective mechanism to synchronize the efforts of countries, donors, and technical partners and underscores the need for a multi-sectoral approach to cholera control with country-level planning for early detection and response to outbreaks.
In order to expel cholera worldwide, clean drinking water and proper sanitation must be provided to all people and countries, according to WHO. Education on health and cleanliness must also be implemented and good hygiene should be taught.
In addition, prompt treatment of cholera must be managed properly by providing medical supplies such as diarrheal disease kits. Community leaders should be in the forefront for the eradication of cholera by pushing towards better access to water, effective sanitation, and proper waste management.
WHO urged heavy involvement of the media to spread information and education in order to communicate what the proper procedures are to prevent cholera.
