Preventing and controlling cholera in endemic countries

The long-term solution for cholera control lies in economic development and universal access to safe drinking water and adequate sanitation. These measures prevent both epidemic and endemic cholera as well as other water-borne diseases. Cholera is closely linked to poor environmental conditions. Typical at-risk areas are peri-urban slums, with precarious basic infrastructure, as well as internally displaced or refugee camps. 

 

Cholera prevention and control measures mainly rely on the implementation of adapted WASH solutions to ensure use of safe water, basic sanitation and good hygiene practices. In cholera endemic settings, oral cholera vaccines can be used as an additional public health tool, as part of a longer-term cholera control plans, including reinforcement of surveillance and laboratory diagnostic capacity and improving WASH conditions. 

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