Oral

One paper summarizes the cholera situation in Africa. In a study in Kenya, cholera event attendance, and water treatment knowledge were similar between the two groups, intervention households had a greater tendency than comparison households to treat stored water effectively. In Zimbabwe, based on clinical experience at a rural Zimbabwean clinic, it was recommended to update the Cholera Outbreak Training and Shigellosis program COTS, improve NGO Aid Kits, and cater to the clinical needs of populations co-infected with HIV. Among the factors leading to a decrease in the cholera case fatality rate in sub-Saharan Africa is improved response suggesting a functional disease surveillance system is a critical tool for decision-making that leads to reductions in the devastating outcomes from cholera in African communities.

Session Objectives: Describes the epidemiology of cholera in Africa; identify the factors that contribute to cholera transmission, persistence, and mortality in the African context; and highlight practical, "shovel-ready" solutions for cholera control. Describe a rapid cholera response program in Kenya. Identify areas for improving the management of cholera outbreaks based on experience in rural Zimbabwe. Describe the importance of functional disease surveillance systems in early detection and response to cholera outbreaks

CE Credits: Medical (CME), Health Education (CHES), Nursing (CNE), Public Health (CPH)