The Global Task Force on Cholera Control

WHO Global Task Force on Cholera Control was launched in 1992 following the adoption of resolution WHA44.6 on cholera by the Forty-fourth World Health Assembly. The aim was to reduce mortality and morbidity associated with the disease and to address the social and economic consequences of cholera.

This partnership brings together governmental and non-governmental organizations, UN agencies, and scientific institutions to coordinate activities against epidemic enteric diseases and develop technical guidelines and training materials for cholera control. Currently, priority activities are aimed at:

To date, the Task Force has provided technical advice and support for cholera control and prevention at country level; training of health professionals at national, regional and international levels in prevention, preparedness and response of diarrhoeal disease outbreaks; and the dissemination of information on cholera and other epidemic prone enteric diseases to health professionals and the general public.

Currently, priority activities are aimed at:

• encouraging improved surveillance and using data to identify high risk areas and guide intervention.
• providing evidence based support to countries for preparedness and response
• gaining evidence on the use of Oral Cholera Vaccines as an additional public health tool to diminish incidence of cholera in high risk areas and vulnerable groups;
• linking health and management of the environment in order to improve access to safe water for vulnerable populations and diminish incidence of waterborne diseases.