During 2012, the GDD Operations Center monitored outbreaks of cholera, in chronological order, in Haiti, Dominican Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, Angola, Uganda, Sierra Leone, Republic of Congo, Guinea, Ghana, Mozambique, Cote d'Ivoire, Cuba, Niger, and the Philippines.
The national system had been able to detect and confirm the outbreak etiology but required external support to monitor the spread of cholera and coordinate response, because much of the information produced was insufficiently timely for real-time monitoring and directing of a rapid, targeted response.
The Uganda Red Cross told the Monitor that three cases of cholera had been confirmed in Tororo.
Continuing in-service training, monitoring and evaluation, and integration of cholera management into regular clinical training will help sustain this success.
Since the emergence of such resistance among V. cholerae may significantly influence future strategies for cholera control, continuous monitoring of epidemic strains is thus crucial.
In addition, continuous monitoring of water sources in study area is necessary for a better preparedness and control of cholera and cholera-like disease.
The high prevalence of MDR V. cholerae in the water sources indicates the need for constant monitoring of the susceptibility pattern of the organism in cholera-endemic areas, in anticipation of an outbreak of cholera or gastroenteritis.
The UNICEF team also worked with local authorities to put in place a monitoring system to asses the health of displaced families in the camp and to refer any cases of cholera to the nearby hospital.
By Eliane Luthi Responding to an outbreak of cholera among Burundians who fled to Tanzania, UNICEF helps health workers track and monitor new cases through mobile phone technology.
