WHO EPI-WIN Webinar: Cholera: Treatment Strategies to Decrease Deaths

Cholera is an infectious disease which causes severe acute diarrhoea. It is caused by bacteria (called Vibrio cholerae) which spread through food and water contaminated with faeces. Cholera is both preventable and easily treatable.
Despite this, there has been an unprecedented recent surge in cholera outbreaks. In the WHO African Region, multiple countries have been affected in the last two years. The southern region of the continent, now in the rainy season, is experiencing resurging outbreaks.
This webinar focuses on the treatment aspects of cholera (or “case management”). Most people with cholera recover in the community with oral rehydration treatment. Some people with particularly severe disease need to be admitted to a hospital facility.
In order to prevent deaths from cholera, people need early treatment which they can access close to home. For those in hospital, careful medical management can ensure a good outcome. However, for both of these situations there is still much to learn about how to provide the best care. This webinar discusses the practical lessons we have learned in the last two years, and how this can make a difference.
Opening remarks Dr Nedret Emiroglu, Director, Country Readiness Strengthening (CRS)
Global overview of cholera and response: Philippe Barboza
Lead WHO Cholera programme, Geneva / Head of the Global Task Force on Cholera Control Secretariat
Panel:
Case management in Communities:
Kathryn Alberti, Cholera Team, WHO, Geneva
Gift Dombola, Community Health Specialist, Malawi
Improving clinical Management with data: The Malawi experience:
Jamie Rylance, Case management expert, WHO Geneva
Beverly Laher, Kamuzu University of Health Sciences, Malawi