The recent data released by the World Health Organization’s (WHO) has highlighted cholera as a preventable disease. 

About Cholera

• Cholera is an acute diarrhoeal disease . 
  • It is caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae
• It is especially dangerous for people with low immunity, such as malnourished children and those with HIV/AIDS.
• Causes and Transmission: Cholera spreads through:
  • Eating contaminated food.
  • Drinking unsafe water.
  • Contact with infected individuals (e.g., shaking hands).
• Seasonal Pattern: The disease peaks during hot, humid, and rainy seasons, especially during monsoons (June to September).
• Major contributing factors 
  • Climate Change: Warmer temperatures and changes in precipitation patterns can create favorable conditions for the spread of cholera.
  • Conflict: Disasters and conflicts can disrupt water and sanitation infrastructure, making it difficult to prevent the spread of cholera.
  • Lack of Access to Clean Water and Sanitation: Inadequate access to safe drinking water and sanitation facilities increases the risk of cholera transmission.
  • Poverty and Displacement: Poverty and displacement can contribute to poor hygiene and sanitation practices.
    • It makes populations more vulnerable to cholera.

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India’s Efforts to tackle Cholera Disease 

Cholera outbreaks are common in India. To tackle these issues, India has taken various steps. 

• Total Sanitation Campaign: This campaign was implemented by the national rural health mission.
  • It aims to improve sanitation, nutrition, and ensure availability of safe drinking water.  
• Oral cholera vaccines (OCV): This vaccination drives are conducted in high risk zone to offer immunity during cholera seasons
• Village Health and Sanitation Committees: These committees are formed at the local level in which local leaders monitor and ensure availability of clean drinking water and toilets. 
• Cholera hotspot mapping: India mapped cholera hotspots regions ( 2010 to 2015)to identify the areas of interventions. 
  • In mapping hotspots, GIS and disease surveillance data are  used. 

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