El cólera, problema sanitario internacional

Abstract

The rapid growth of trade and international travel compelled the great world powers to sign the "International Health Convention" in 1851 to control cholera. This disease, always a health problem, has today become an economic problem for the entire world; and the economic implications are much more difficult to deal with than the sanitary aspects

Although cholera is endemic only to Asia, it should be remembered that over half the world's population is living in the endemic zones or very close to them. Furthermore, with today's rapid means of transportation, cholera may travel from these endemic zones to many parts of the world. Hence the greater international importance assumed by the problem

The old methods of combating the disease are inadequate today due to the rapid transformation of the world in which we live. Armed guards, burning of infected homes, etc., which once provided a "sanitary barrier," have lost their efficacy. One of the essential steps to prevent importation of the disease would be the elimination of travel and trade with infected areas, a measure which is not feasible in the present day and age

A good international program to combat cholera must comprise: 1) application of the measures authorized by the International Health Code, to the exclusion of any other, to avoid disrupting international travel and trade and to foster cooperation; 2) application of adequate ...(AU)