GENEVA: The World Health Organization (WHO) on Wednesday reported a dramatic increase in cholera cases and deaths worldwide, highlighting an urgent need for enhanced measures to combat the disease. According to new data, cholera deaths surged by 71% and cases rose by 13% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
“Cholera killed 4,000 people last year,” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said during a press conference. He said that cholera is both preventable and treatable, yet the rising numbers reflect a concerning trend. The increase in cases and fatalities is attributed to factors such as conflict, climate change, inadequate water and sanitation infrastructure, poverty, and displacement.
Geographically, the impact of cholera has shifted significantly. The Middle East and Asia recorded a 32% decrease in cases, while Africa experienced a staggering 125% increase in cholera incidents.
As of now, more than 342,000 cholera cases and 2,400 deaths have been reported this year. Active outbreaks are ongoing in 22 countries, with Sudan recently declaring a cholera epidemic following heavy rains that exacerbated the spread of the disease.
The WHO’s technical lead on cholera, Philippe Barbosa, said that the reported numbers likely underestimate the true extent of the crisis. “Research models suggest that there are roughly two million cases and 100,000 deaths from cholera each year,” Barbosa said.
He pointed out that the cost of preventing these deaths is minimal, yet the current mortality rate remains “totally morally unacceptable.”
Tedros reiterated the need for a significant increase in vaccine production. Last year, approximately 36 million doses of cholera vaccine were produced, which is only half of what was requested by affected countries. Currently, South Korea’s EuBiologics is the sole manufacturer of cholera vaccines, and Tedros called for other companies to enter the market to increase supply.
Tedros stressed that long-term and sustainable solutions require improvements in safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene. These measures are essential to preventing outbreaks and ensuring the health and safety of communities worldwide.
Cholera, caused by the Vibrio cholerae bacterium, leads to severe diarrhea, vomiting, and muscle cramps. It spreads through contaminated food and water.
