2023-05-18-世界卫生组织-Call_for_urgent_and_collective_action_to_fight_cholera_10页_1mb

Call for Urgent and Collective Action to Fight Cholera

Key Points Summary:

1. Global Scale of Cholera: As of April 2023, at least 30 countries have experienced cholera outbreaks, with another 20 at high risk. Over 1 billion people (10 times the population at risk underpreparedness) are vulnerable.

2. Burden Factors: Disproportionately affects conflict-affected, climate-vulnerable, displaced, malnourished populations, and those with limited access to safe water, sanitation, and healthcare. A lack of funds, especially during COVID-19, has hampered response efforts.

3. Technical & Financial Solutions:

   • Surveillance: Early detection & rapid diagnostics (e.g., RDTs cost $1.90 per test).
   • Vaccination: OCV provides protection for three years; cost varies by location (often free through Gavi).
   • Treatment: ORS to combat dehydration; cholera kits for health facilities.
   • Prevention: WASH interventions are foundational for prevention; improving access to clean water/later.
   • RCCE: Training and volunteers to recognize symptoms help control spread within communities.

4. Cost-Effectiveness of Preparedness: Investing early in preparedness drastically reduces the total cost compared to responding after an outbreak (e.g., $250k could prevent a large outbreak).

5. Long-Term Benefits: Ending cholera supports sustainable development goals, improves health equity, reduces poverty, and enhances climate/humanitarian resilience.

Action:

• WHO calls for sustained investment to strengthen preparedness, early response, and multisectoral interventions.
• Emphasizes a "paradigm shift" in funding: moving from short-term emergency funds to longer-term, targeted investments.
• WHO's role includes logistics, coordination, procurement, and partnerships for higher efficiency and impact.

Contact: Kerstin Bycroft, bycroftk@who.int