Weekend Update

Reading up on what WHO does to combat cholera was interesting. They have a group called the "Global Task Force on Cholera Control". It was launched in 1992 and ever since has been working on preventing cholera, and providing aid for those with cholera. They also work to control outbreaks, when they do happen. Also, they provide vaccines, to those visiting places where cholera is prevalent. But the question here is: Why is it that cholera continues to be a huge problem in some nations even though organizations like the Global Taks Force are doing everything in their power to stop it? There are many answers to this question, but my belief is that organizations can't do anything by themselves.

They need the help of the main populace, to spread the knowledge of cholera. I read a lot about the task force providing support to those with the disease, I read about the training of medical professionals to deal with the disease but I read very little about spreading awareness of the disease to the people there. What these organizations are doing is good and all, but to be truly effective the disease must not be waiting for it to happen and take action, but strike before. I know I've covered this before but spreading the knowledge is important. Simple facts, such as boiling water before drinking it could avoid cholera outbreaks, and save thousands of lives. This is the cheap solution that I asked for before. Spreading the knowledge is cheaper, and more efficient, than training medical personnel and developing treatments.

On a side note, I found out some more about the treatments. Several treatments exist, as antibiotics. They are seldom used, but can shorten the duration and severity of cholera. Replenishing the lost liquids seems like the sure fire way to survive cholera. This makes treating cholera simple, which confounds me. Cholera should be gone by now, if the treatment is just replacing the liquids.

Well, my longest post yet. Check back soon for my next post, which should provide details on the project, and further dissect my partners' thoughts.