Ververs, Mija, and Rupa Narra, “Treating Cholera in Severely Malnourished Children in the Horn of Africa and Yemen,” The Lancet 390, no.10106 (October 2017), doi: 10.1016/S0140-6736(17)32601-6

URL: www.thelancet.com/journals/lancet/article/PIIS0140-6736(17)32601-6/abstract

Abstract

Populations in Yemen, South Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia are experiencing starvation and concurrent outbreaks of confirmed or suspected cholera (acute watery diarrhea [AWD]. Drought, conflict, and population displacement in these countries have led to increased food insecurity and a higher incidence of severe acute malnutrition (SAM). Limited access to safe water and poor sanitation have exacerbated cholera and AWD outbreaks and led to the dangerous comorbidity of cholera and SAM in young children. In Yemen, WHO reported that 25% of cholera cases occurred in children less than 5 years old.  

In light of the extent of cholera and severe acute malnutrition (SAM) among young children in Yemen, South Sudan, Somalia, and Ethiopia, Ververs and Narra (2017) have reviewed guidance documents and treatment protocols on cholera and SAM and have recommended steps for improved guidance at national and international levels for children with cholera and SAM. These recommendations include steps related to diagnosis, treatment, complications, and nutritional treatment.