SAGE makes new recommendations on cholera control
At its latest meeting, the Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on immunization made a number of firm recommendations on cholera control. The increasing frequency and severity of cholera epidemics during recent years, the availability of a lower-cost cholera vaccine and recent data on the effectiveness, feasibility and cost-effectiveness of oral cholera vaccination were considered. Key recommendations were that the two oral cholera vaccines available should be used in areas with endemic cholera and considered for use in areas at risk for cholera outbreaks, in conjunction with other cholera prevention and control strategies.
Other topics discussed at the meeting included pandemic influenza A (H1N1) vaccines, the future programme of work of the Global Polio Eradication Initiative, the epidemiology of unvaccinated infants, and the strengthening of pertussis surveillance and control.
SAGE is the principal advisory group to WHO for vaccines and immunization. It is charged with advising WHO on overall global policies and strategies, ranging from vaccines and technology, research and development, to delivery of immunization and its linkages with other health interventions.