Context:
African countries are facing Cholera vaccine shortage, that is a looming threat amid increasing cholera cases in the region.
Relevance:
GS II: Health
Dimensions of the Article:
- Details
- About Cholera
- Initiatives to Curb Cholera
Details:
- 27,300 new cases of cholera and 687 deaths reported in 5 African countries in 2023.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) links increased frequency of cholera epidemics to climate change.
- Warmer water is believed to facilitate faster reproduction of the bacteria causing cholera.
About Cholera:
- Cholera is an acute, diarrheal illness caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae.
- The infection can range from mild to severe and is considered a public health hazard.
Symptoms:
- Profuse watery diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Leg cramps
Transmission:
- Cholera can spread through contaminated food or water.
- The disease can quickly spread in areas with inadequate sewage and drinking water treatment.
Vaccine:
- Three WHO-approved oral cholera vaccines (Dukoral, Shanchol, and Euvichol-Plus) are available.
- These vaccines require two doses for full protection.
Initiatives to Curb Cholera:
- A global strategy, “Ending Cholera: A Global Roadmap to 2030,” aims to reduce cholera deaths by 90% by 2030.
- The WHO has revitalized the Global Task Force for Cholera Control (GTFCC) to support the implementation of evidence-based strategies to control cholera.
-Source: The Economic times
