Global Cholera Crisis Deepens: WHO Reports Alarming Rise in Cases and Deaths
Geneva, Switzerland – The World Health Association (WHO) has issued a stark warning regarding the escalating global cholera crisis, revealing a significant surge in both infections and fatalities in 2024. New data, published this week, show reported cholera cases increased by 5% and deaths by a staggering 50% compared to the previous year, resulting in over 6,000 preventable deaths. Experts caution that these figures likely represent a substantial underestimate of the true global impact.
Cholera,a highly contagious disease caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium and spread through contaminated water,is readily treatable and preventable. However, a confluence of factors – including ongoing conflicts, the accelerating effects of climate change, mass population displacement, and chronic deficiencies in water and sanitation infrastructure – are fueling its resurgence worldwide.
A Widening Geographic Reach
The WHO report highlights a worrying expansion in the geographic scope of the outbreak. In 2024, sixty countries reported cases, a marked increase from the 45 recorded in 2023. The vast majority – 98% of all reported cases – were concentrated in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. twelve countries each reported over 10,000 cases, with seven experiencing large-scale outbreaks for the first time this year.Notably, the re-emergence of cholera in Comoros after a 15-year absence underscores the persistent risk of global transmission.
Africa Faces a Critical Situation
The situation is notably acute in Africa, where the case fatality ratio climbed from 1.4% in 2023 to 1.9% in 2024. This increase signals critical gaps in access to life-saving care and highlights the fragility of healthcare systems across the continent. Alarmingly, a quarter of all cholera deaths occurred in communities, outside of healthcare facilities, further emphasizing the urgent need to improve access to treatment and strengthen community-level healthcare initiatives.
Vaccine Supply Struggles to meet Demand
Efforts to control the outbreak are hampered by limited access to vaccines. While the prequalification of a new oral cholera vaccine (OCV), Euvichol-S®, in early 2024 provided a boost to global stockpile levels, demand continues to outstrip supply. Despite a record 40 million doses being approved for emergency use in 16 countries, the global stockpile has been stretched thin, leading to a continuation of the temporary single-dose vaccination regimen.
Crisis Continues into 2025
Preliminary data indicate the crisis is far from over, with outbreaks already reported in 31 countries in the first months of 2025.
The WHO has assessed the global risk from cholera as “very high” and is actively working with governments, donors, and communities to implement comprehensive strategies. These include strengthening surveillance, improving case management, ensuring access to safe water and sanitation, and bolstering risk communication and community engagement. Further investment in vaccine production is also deemed critical.
“Addressing this escalating cholera crisis requires a concerted and sustained global effort,” a WHO spokesperson stated. “We must prioritize access to essential resources, strengthen healthcare systems, and address the underlying drivers of vulnerability to prevent further suffering and loss of life.”
Learn More: [WHO Global Cholera Statistics 2024](https://www.who.int/publications/i/item/who-wer-10036
