The World Health Organization (WHO), on Friday, declared the emergence of cholera in 23 nations, cautioning that 20 additional countries sharing land borders with the affected regions are in jeopardy.
Dr. Tedros Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, expressed this during the bloc’s virtual press conference.
Ghebreyesus additionally stated that a total of over one billion individuals worldwide are at risk of cholera.
“Cholera transmits through contaminated water, therefore, clean water is urgently needed wherever there is an acute outbreak to avert further spread,” he remarked.
According to him, WHO strongly advises countries vulnerable to cholera outbreaks to enhance surveillance so that cases can be detected and managed as swiftly as possible.
The WHO leader pointed out that although effective vaccines for cholera exist, their availability is severely limited.
According to Ghebreyesus, the International Coordinating Group that oversees the global cholera vaccine reserve suspended the standard two-dose protocol in 2022, instead recommending a single-dose method to extend availability.
He, however, emphasized that in the medium to long term, it remains crucial to increase global vaccine production.
“In the meantime, we must depend on alternative strategies to halt outbreaks and save lives,” he noted.
He mentioned that in recent weeks there have been numerous reports of mammals, including minks, otters, foxes, and sea lions, being afflicted with H5N1 avian influenza.
He pointed out that H5N1 has been prevalent in wild birds and poultry for 25 years, yet the recent transmission to mammals requires meticulous observation.
Ghebreyesus, however, revealed that currently, WHO has evaluated the threat to humans as low.
He stated that since H5N1 first emerged in 1996, there have only been rare and non-sustained instances of H5N1 transmission to and among humans.
“But we cannot presume that this will continue, and we must prepare for any alteration in the status quo.”
“As always, individuals are urged not to touch or collect deceased or ill wild animals, but rather report to local authorities.”
“WHO is collaborating with national authorities and partners to closely monitor the situation and investigate cases of H5N1 infection in humans as they arise,” he said.
WHO’s global laboratory network, the Global Influenza Surveillance and Response System, identifies and tracks strains of circulating influenza viruses, offering guidance to nations regarding their risk to human health and available treatments or control measures.
WHO advises countries to bolster surveillance in areas where humans interact with farmed or wild animals.
“WHO is also actively engaging with manufacturers to ensure that, if necessary, supplies of vaccines and antivirals will be accessible for global use.”
On the topic of breastfeeding, the WHO leader revealed that new research indicated that less than half of infants born worldwide are being exclusively breastfed for the first six months of life.
Ghebreyesus noted that this occurs because women do not receive the support they need to breastfeed, with over half a billion working women globally lacking sufficient maternity protections.
“In the meantime, misleading marketing claims about formula milk undermine breastfeeding at every opportunity.”
“Nearly every nation has ratified the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes, which limits formula milk marketing.”
“However, enforcement of these regulations is largely absent,” he stated.
“Ghebreyesus urged governments and policymakers to advocate for breastfeeding by ensuring that all women receive adequate maternity protections.”
He proposed a minimum of six months maternity leave with full pay for nursing mothers, along with time-off for breastfeeding upon their return to work.
He also reiterated WHO’s call for governments to put an end to exploitative marketing of artificial milk and to enhance health sector support for breastfeeding. (NAN)
