Pharmaceutical response to cholera

The “Pharmaceutical Response to Cholera” Guide was written by PAH – Humanitarian Pharmacists, following the cholera outbreak in Haiti in 2010.

This guide was developed to serve as a tool for pharmacists in the management of various aspects of this type of event.

To fight against cholera the pharmacist’s role in the management of pharmaceutical inputs (supply circuit, storage, distribution) is essential especially in the event of an outbreak.

Cholera is an acute intestinal infection caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae. After a short incubation period of 1 to 5 days, enterotoxin produced by Vibrio causes profuse watery diarrhea that can quickly lead to severe dehydration and death without prompt treatment. This module was taught in Haiti and Mali.