Submission ID 118289
| Issue/Objective | Cholera disproportionately affects impoverished, high-risk populations, underscoring deep rooted inequities and gaps in social development. As a waterborne disease, it thrives in areas with inadequate sanitation and limited access to safe water. Despite the availability of effective tools and strategies to prevent cholera outbreaks, responses remain predominantly reactive - focused on containment rather than prevention. Enhancing community preparedness is essential to reducing both the frequency and severity of outbreaks. This research examines cholera preparedness and response strategies implemented by the Red Crescent Red Cross movement (RCRC) and other key organizations including MSF, UNICEF and WHO. By analyzing these approaches this study aims to inform and prioritize future cholera interventions, shifting the focus from crisis response to sustainable prevention, resulting in reduced healthcare costs and more efficient resource mobilization. |
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| Methodology/Approach | This study consists of two phases: Phase 1 involves qualitative data collection through key informant interviews (KII) with RCRC staff, and Phase 2 involves literature review of peer reviewed articles and grey literature. This research will focus on collecting data on the community preparedness and response initiatives by these humanitarian organizations. The data from literature review and KIIs will be used to triangulate the findings and develop the report. |
| Results | In phase 1, eight KII were conducted. Preliminary analysis reveals key themes highlighting the role of the RCRC Movement in cholera preparedness and response. These include; Community preparedness, Household-level interventions, Shared communal spaces interventions and Supporting the Ministries of Health in Oral Cholera Vaccine campaigns. Preliminary findings from Phase two provide an overview of different strategies employed by leading humanitarian organizations as well as the strengths and barriers. |
| Discussion/Conclusion | The insights from KII provide a valuable firsthand perspective on cholera preparedness initiatives led by the RCRC movement, particularly promoting WASH and hygiene practices at the community and household levels. The literature findings provide insight into strengths and barriers as well as how different strategies can complement and strengthen current preparedness strategies. This research aligns with Subtheme 3, emphasizing critical role of preparedness and capacity-building efforts in not only preventing outbreaks but also fostering long-term public health improvements and enhancing resource mobilization for sustainable interventions. |
| Presenters and affiliations | Masooma Sarwar Canadian Red Cross Masooma Sarwar Canadian Red Cross Ilja Ormel Canadian Red Cross Salim Sohani Canadian Red Cross Natalie Jette Canadian Red Cross Alexandra Machado International Federation of Red Cross Florian Haas International Federation of Red Cross Carolyne Kerrigan Canadian Red Cross |
