Cholera: Still a Major Public Health Issue in Sub-Saharan Africa

Abstract

Cholera continues to be a public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa, specifically the African Great Lakes region. Cases of cholera and deaths from cholera are increasing yearly. Studies have identified lakes and war/conflict as the risk factors for cholera in the African Great Lakes region. Other studies suggest that surveillance, handwashing, sanitation, oral cholera vaccine, education, and access to care are effective preventive measures against cholera in sub-Saharan Africa. But sub-Saharan Africa is not meeting the 2030 Sustainable Development Goal of ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all. This commentary calls for research and implementation of interventions, specifically tailored for the culturally, ethnically, and linguistically diverse populations in sub-Saharan Africa, also taking into account the historical context of each population.