The World Health Organisation (WHO) says cholera continues to claim more lives globally, with 2024 marking the second consecutive year of rising cases and deaths.
In its latest report released on Friday, WHO said reported cholera cases rose by 5 per cent while deaths surged by 50 per cent compared to 2023, with over 6,000 people killed by the preventable and treatable disease.
“While these numbers are themselves alarming, they are underestimates of the true burden of cholera. Conflict, climate change, population displacement, and weak water, sanitation, and hygiene infrastructure continue to fuel the rise,” WHO said.
The disease, caused by the bacterium Vibrio cholerae, spreads quickly through faeces-contaminated water.
WHO noted that 60 countries reported cholera outbreaks in 2024, up from 45 the previous year. Africa, the Middle East, and Asia accounted for 98 per cent of all reported cases.
The organisation said 12 countries each recorded more than 10,000 cases, with seven experiencing large outbreaks for the first time. Comoros, for instance, reported cholera after more than 15 years without an outbreak.
Africa’s case fatality rate rose from 1.4 per cent in 2023 to 1.9 per cent in 2024, underscoring gaps in access to life-saving care. WHO highlighted that a quarter of deaths occurred in communities outside health facilities, pointing to poor access to treatment.
“To combat cholera, governments, donors, and communities must ensure access to safe water and sanitation, accurate health information, and rapid access to treatment and vaccines,” it urged.
A new oral cholera vaccine, Euvichol-S®, was prequalified in early 2024 and added to the global stockpile, helping to maintain average stock levels above the emergency threshold of five million doses for the first half of 2025.
Still, supply fell short of demand. In 2024, 61 million doses were requested, with 40 million approved for emergency use across 16 countries. The temporary switch from a two-dose to a single-dose regimen remained in place due to shortages.
Preliminary data shows the crisis persists into 2025, with 31 countries reporting outbreaks so far. WHO continues to assess global cholera risk as “very high” and is supporting countries with surveillance, case management, vaccines, and community engagement to contain the spread.
