Global Surge in Cholera Outbreaks

Cholera, a severe acute diarrheal infection, is a disease of inequity and poverty. Since the middle of 2021, an unprecedented climb in cholera cases associated with multiple outbreaks affecting countries that had not reported any cholera cases for many years and several that are not considered as cholera endemic countries.

Preliminary data gathered by the WHO from Member States during 2023 indicate that the 667,000 cases and 4000 deaths reported last year has surpassed numbers in 2022. Countries in Africa and Eastern Mediterranean are particularly affected. Many countries are reporting higher case numbers and Case Fatality Ratio (CFR) than in previous years. The global average cholera CFR is the highest recorded in over a decade and over one billion people are at risk of cholera worldwide.

Cholera disproportionately affects vulnerable communities already burdened by the impacts of conflict, climate change, displacement, malnutrition, and who have limited access to safe water, basic sanitation, hygiene infrastructure and health care (WHO, 2023). The global lack of resources including the oral cholera vaccines poses significant challenges to respond to multiple and simultaneous outbreaks.