By Bunmi Yekini
The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm over a sharp rise in global cholera cases and deaths, warning that the world faces a “very high” risk from the disease as outbreaks expand into new regions.
New figures released by WHO show that reported cholera cases rose by 5% in 2024, while deaths surged by 50% compared to the previous year. More than 6,000 people died from the waterborne disease, which remains both preventable and treatable. The agency stressed that these figures are likely underestimates of the true scale of the crisis.
“Conflict, climate change, population displacement, and poor access to clean water and sanitation are fuelling the spread of cholera,” WHO said in its report. The disease, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, spreads rapidly in areas with unsafe water and weak health systems.
In 2024, 60 countries reported cholera cases, up from 45 in 2023, with Africa, the Middle East, and Asia accounting for 98% of infections. Twelve countries recorded more than 10,000 cases each, and seven of them faced large outbreaks for the first time. Cholera also re-emerged in Comoros after more than 15 years without reported cases.
The fatality rate in Africa rose from 1.4% in 2023 to 1.9% in 2024, exposing serious gaps in treatment and fragile health systems. Alarmingly, one in four cholera deaths occurred outside health facilities, highlighting how many people lack access to timely care.
WHO urged governments and donors to prioritize access to safe water, sanitation, hygiene, and vaccines, alongside community engagement and stronger disease surveillance. “To save lives, people need rapid access to treatment and vaccination when outbreaks occur,” the agency emphasized.
A glimmer of hope came in early 2024 when WHO prequalified a new oral cholera vaccine, Euvichol-S®, which bolstered global stockpiles. Yet demand far outpaced supply, forcing countries to continue with single-dose emergency campaigns instead of the standard two-dose regimen. In 2024 alone, 61 million vaccine doses were requested, but only 40 million were approved for use across 16 countries.
Preliminary data show that the crisis is persisting in 2025, with 31 countries already reporting outbreaks. WHO said it is scaling up its response, providing supplies, strengthening public health surveillance, and coordinating with partners to contain outbreaks.
“The world cannot afford to ignore cholera,” WHO cautioned. “With urgent action, every case and every death can be prevented.”