Trachoma causes more vision loss and blindness than any other infection in the world. This disease is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis bacteria. Other variants or strains of these bacteria can cause a sexually transmitted infection (chlamydia) and disease in lymph nodes.
This is photomicrograph ...of a conjunctival smear that revealed the presence of what are known as, intracytoplasmic inclusions Trachoma is easily spread through direct personal contact such as from fingers, through shared towels and clothes, and through flies that have been in contact with the eyes or nose of an infected person. When left untreated, repeated Chlamydia trachomatis infections in the eye can cause severe scarring on the inside of the eyelid. This can cause the eyelashes to scratch the cornea (trichiasis). In addition to causing pain, trichiasis permanently damages the cornea and can lead to irreversible blindness.
Chlamydia trachomatis infections spread in areas that lack access to safely managed drinking water and sanitation systems. Trachoma affects the most resource-limited communities in the world. Globally, almost 1.9 million people have vision loss because of trachoma, and it causes 1.4% of all blindness worldwide.1 In 2021, 136 million people lived in trachoma-endemic areas and were at risk of trachoma blindness.
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Issue Brief 33: Since 21 June 2023, 57 024 new cholera cases, including 399 new death have been reported worldwide (European Center for Disease Prevention and Control). In total, 25 countries have reported cases since the beginning of 2023. The major underlying causes of potential outbreaks are poor... environmental infastructure, lack of health care services, lack of save water and sanitation as well as increase population movement. Climate change becomes an additional trigger, as extreme climate events like cyclones,floods and droughts reduce access to clean water and create an ideal environment for cholera to thrive. The overall capacity to respond to the multiple outbreaks is obstructed by a global lack of resources.
This issue brief provides an overview of the current outbreaks, treatment guidelines, information material, countries strategies and more.
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This information can be used to assess the extent of the damage and the needs of affected communities. Information should be gathered on the extent of damage to infrastructure, housing, and public facilities such as hospitals, schools, and water systems. This information can be used to prioritize th...e response effort and to direct resources to where they are most needed.
In addition to gathering information on the extent of damage, it is also important to gather information on the number of people affected and the types of assistance they need. This may include information on the number of people who are injured, displaced, or in need of shelter, food, and water. This information can be used to prioritize the response effort and to ensure that assistance is provided in a way that meets the specific needs of affected communities.
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In Laudato Si’: On Care for Our Common Home, Pope Francis acknowledged that “numerous scientists, philosophers, theologians and civic groups have enriched the Church’s thinking” on sustainability. Hospitals and health care organizations may not be an obvious resource for ecological inspirati...on, but they have been responsible for shaping the contours of sustainability as well. While some Catholic health care organizations have already established measures to mitigate climate change, Laudato Si’ challenges all of Catholic health care to reflect the dual concerns for “God’s creation and the poor and outcast.” Concretely, two ways this can be achieved are by cutting carbon emissions and reducing water footprints.
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Those who clean are the first line of defense against health care-associated infections (HAIs), and support efforts to reduce antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Strengthening the training of this important group can contribute to resolving many of today’s public health challenges. This is importan...t given that cleaning both surfaces and hands is vital to control the transmission of a number of HAIs.
This two-part training package targets those who clean heath care facilities.
The Trainer’s Guide takes the user through how to prepare, deliver and sustain an effective training for those who clean. The Modules and Resources provides instructions, definitions, photographs, posters and specific illustrations of recommended practices
The package can be used by those who deliver environmental cleaning training programmes and/or those with a background in IPC including ministries of health, nongovernmental organizations, academic institutions, experts working in Quality of care, IPC and environmental cleaning/ Water, sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) and Health facility IPC focal points and onsite cleaning supervisors
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The document provides detailed guidelines for managing cholera outbreaks, focusing on prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and control strategies. It emphasizes the importance of setting up Cholera Treatment Centers (CTCs), ensuring access to clean water, promoting hygiene, and utilizing oral rehydrati...on solutions (ORS) and antibiotics for treatment. The guide also addresses outbreak surveillance, community education, and resource allocation to effectively mitigate cholera's spread and impact.
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Climate change is one of the biggest crises of our time. Climate threats range from higher temperatures, heavy rainfalls and floods, erratic precipitation, droughts, desertification, and land degradation. This has negative implications on the quality and quantity of natural resources, such as land a...nd water, agricultural productivity, rural livelihood options, food prices, and nutrition security, particularly when there is a lack of adaptation capacities and preparedness measures (Pacillo, 2024). Farmers are at the forefront of the climate crisis where their livelihoods are being jeopardized, and they are faced with many challenges to secure water, energy, and agriculture inputs, and maintain agriculture productivity. This heightens the risk of competition over natural resources and aggravates grievances and structural inequalities related to land rights and ownership as well as land access, management, and governance. In Africa, land-related issues are among the triggers of many violent disputes (Medina et al, 2024). For instance, communal violence in Nigeria and Sudan is tied to competition over scarce fertile land and poor resource governance (Bruce and Bourdeaux, 2013).
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Clinical Presentation and Management for Haiti Cholera Outbreak, 2010
The document provides detailed guidelines for diagnosing and managing cholera cases, with a focus on rehydration therapy and preventing dehydration-related fatalities. It outlines the use of oral rehydration salts (ORS), intrav...enous fluids for severe dehydration, and appropriate antibiotics for severe cases. The guide also emphasizes the importance of hygiene, safe water usage, and monitoring patient recovery to effectively control cholera outbreaks. It is designed as a practical resource for healthcare workers and public health officials.
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The document "Prevansyon kont Diare" provides guidance on preventing and managing diarrhea. It explains that diarrhea, caused by pathogens like viruses, bacteria, and parasites, can lead to severe dehydration if untreated. Symptoms include vomiting, fever, and loss of appetite, with severe cases req...uiring urgent medical care.
To prevent diarrhea, the document emphasizes using treated or boiled water, washing hands with soap, cooking food thoroughly, and cleaning fruits and vegetables with safe water. It also provides a recipe for Oral Rehydration Solution (ORS) to combat dehydration: mix 1 liter of boiled or treated water with 8 teaspoons of sugar, 1 teaspoon of salt, and a pinch of baking soda. This solution should be consumed while seeking medical attention.
The document serves as an educational resource to promote hygiene and provide simple, effective solutions for preventing and managing diarrhea.
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The document provides a detailed overview of cholera, including its clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. It explains the causes of cholera, its symptoms such as severe diarrhea and dehydration, and the importance of rehydration therapy (oral or intravenous) to reduce mortality. T...he document also emphasizes public health measures, including access to clean water, proper sanitation, and vaccination, as essential strategies to control and prevent cholera outbreaks. It serves as a comprehensive resource for healthcare professionals managing cholera cases and outbreaks.
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The document is a comprehensive practical guide for managing cholera epidemics. It includes detailed instructions on outbreak investigation, control measures, case management, and the organization of treatment facilities. It emphasizes strategies such as rehydration therapy, water sanitation, hygien...e promotion, and vaccination to prevent the spread of cholera. The guide serves as a resource for healthcare professionals, logisticians, and public health officials to respond effectively to cholera outbreaks.
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The PDF "COLERA: Informação para Promotores de Saúde" provides essential guidance for health promoters and activists on cholera. It explains that cholera is characterized by severe watery diarrhea, often resembling rice water, and sometimes vomiting. If not treated promptly, it can lead to death ...within hours. The disease affects both adults and children and spreads through contaminated feces, poor hygiene, and unsafe water or food. To prevent cholera, the document emphasizes the importance of drinking treated or safe water, cooking food thoroughly and keeping it covered, washing hands with soap or ash after using the latrine and before handling food, and using proper latrines or sanitary facilities. It also highlights the role of vaccination, recommending the oral cholera vaccine "Shanchol," which requires two doses 2–3 weeks apart. The vaccine is suitable for individuals over one year old, including pregnant women, and has minimal side effects such as mild abdominal pain or diarrhea. This resource aims to empower health promoters with practical knowledge to prevent and manage cholera outbreaks effectively.
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The document presents Cameroon's National Response Plan for the 2018 cholera outbreak, covering August to October 2018. It highlights the epidemiological situation, with outbreaks reported in the North and Central regions and a total of 109 suspected cases and 9 deaths by July 2018. The plan outline...s strategies for controlling the epidemic, including epidemiological surveillance, improved access to clean water, sanitation, mass vaccination, community awareness campaigns, and hospital and community-based treatment.
The response is coordinated by the Ministry of Public Health, WHO, and various partners, focusing on early detection, rapid response, and multi-sectoral collaboration. Challenges include poor sanitation, limited healthcare infrastructure, and cross-border disease transmission risks. The plan emphasizes resource mobilization, monitoring, and evaluation to contain the outbreak and prevent future cases.
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The document provides comprehensive guidelines on cholera outbreak management, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. It emphasizes rapid response measures, the importance of rehydration therapy (oral and intravenous), and public health interventions such as water sanitation, hygiene promot...ion, and disease surveillance to control the spread of cholera in affected communities. It is designed as a resource for healthcare providers and public health officials.
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The document provides guidance on managing acute diarrhoea outbreaks, specifically cholera and shigellosis. It outlines steps for identifying outbreaks, differentiating between cholera and shigellosis, and treating patients based on the severity of dehydration. Recommendations include the use of ora...l rehydration solutions (ORS), antibiotics in severe cases, and strict hygiene practices to prevent transmission. The document also emphasizes community protection measures such as disinfection of water sources, isolation of cases, and proper food hygiene. It is a practical resource for health workers to quickly respond to diarrhoeal disease outbreaks.
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The document provides comprehensive guidelines on cholera outbreak management, including prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. It emphasizes rapid response measures, the importance of rehydration therapy (oral and intravenous), and public health interventions such as water sanitation, hygiene promot...ion, and disease surveillance to control the spread of cholera in affected communities. It is designed as a resource for healthcare providers and public health officials.
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The document "Asenisman ak Pwòprete pou Youn Anviwonman Sèn" focuses on sanitation, hygiene, and environmental cleanliness to promote public health. It provides guidelines and best practices for maintaining clean surroundings, proper waste disposal, and access to safe water. The document emphasize...s disease prevention by improving sanitation infrastructure and encouraging community participation. It serves as an educational resource for hygiene promotion and environmental health initiatives.
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The document provides guidance on managing acute diarrhoea outbreaks, specifically cholera and shigellosis. It outlines steps for identifying outbreaks, differentiating between cholera and shigellosis, and treating patients based on the severity of dehydration. Recommendations include the use of ora...l rehydration solutions (ORS), antibiotics in severe cases, and strict hygiene practices to prevent transmission. The document also emphasizes community protection measures such as disinfection of water sources, isolation of cases, and proper food hygiene. It is a practical resource for health workers to quickly respond to diarrhoeal disease outbreaks.
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The "Hygiene Awareness Manual" focuses on promoting improved hygiene practices within communities, emphasizing personal and household hygiene, water safety, and environmental health. It highlights the importance of handwashing, oral hygiene, and maintaining cleanliness of the skin and clothing as ke...y aspects of personal and family hygiene. Specific practices such as regular bathing and wearing clean clothes are also emphasized.
For household hygiene, the manual provides guidance on safe food preparation and storage, as well as keeping living spaces, kitchens, and latrines clean to prevent contamination. It also addresses water safety, emphasizing the need to store water in clean containers, treat it for safe consumption, and dispose of wastewater properly to avoid environmental contamination.
The manual underscores the significance of balanced nutrition and food safety, offering guidelines for cooking and preserving food to reduce health risks. It also delves into disease prevention, explaining the causes and transmission of waterborne and hygiene-related diseases, such as cholera and dysentery, and outlining effective methods to prevent them through proper sanitation and hygiene.
This comprehensive guide serves as a practical resource for community health workers and households, aiming to foster better hygiene practices, prevent diseases, and enhance overall health and well-being.
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The document "J-esyon ak bon manipilasyon manje yo" focuses on proper food handling and hygiene practices to prevent contamination and foodborne illnesses. It provides comprehensive guidelines for individuals and communities, emphasizing the importance of food safety. Key recommendations include kee...ping raw and cooked foods separate, ensuring thorough cooking of perishable items like meat and fish, and checking canned goods for damage or expiration before use. It stresses the need to use treated or boiled water for cooking, drinking, and washing food, as contaminated water can lead to diseases such as diarrhea, typhoid, and skin infections.
The document also highlights critical hygiene practices, such as washing hands with soap and treated water before handling food or eating, and thoroughly cleaning food preparation areas. Proper storage of food at suitable temperatures to prevent spoilage is another key focus, along with protecting food from animals, insects, and other sources of contamination. Overall, the manual emphasizes that maintaining proper hygiene and safe food handling practices is vital for preventing illnesses and promoting public health, making it a valuable resource for educating communities on food safety.
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