Over 4,000 people died of cholera last year, marking a 71% increase compared to 2022, according to the latest World Health Organisation report. The report also pointed out a 13 per cent surge in reported cases of cholera.
FACTORS BEHIND THE SURGE IN CASES
The rise in cholera outbreaks last year can be attributed to several factors:
- Limited sanitation: Many affected communities lack access to safe drinking water and proper sanitation facilities, leaving them vulnerable to the disease.
- Conflict and displacement: Ongoing conflicts and natural disasters continue to displace populations, putting increased pressure on already fragile health systems. Displaced populations often face poor living conditions, creating environments ripe for cholera to spread.
- Climate change: Extreme weather events, such as flooding, have further deteriorated sanitation and water conditions, enabling cholera to thrive in vulnerable regions.
SHIFTING GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION
One significant trend in 2023 was the change in cholera’s geographic spread. WHO data shows that while the Middle East and Asia saw a 32% decrease in cases, Africa experienced a staggering 125% rise. This shift in distribution highlights the growing vulnerability of African countries to cholera outbreaks.
For the first time, several countries reported “community deaths” – deaths occurring outside healthcare facilities. In five out of 13 reporting nations, over a third of cholera-related deaths occurred in local communities. This alarming figure reveals significant gaps in healthcare access, particularly in remote areas where treatment is not readily available.
COUNTRIES FACING THE LARGEST OUTBREAKS
Several countries bore the brunt of the cholera crisis in 2023:
- Afghanistan: With 222,249 cases, Afghanistan reported the highest number of infections worldwide.
- Democratic Republic of the Congo, Malawi, Mozambique, and Haiti: These nations also experienced substantial outbreaks, each reporting over 30,000 cases.
These outbreaks highlight the global nature of the crisis, as cholera continues to affect countries across continents.
ONGOING CRISIS IN 2024
Although preliminary data shows a slight decrease in cholera cases in 2024, the crisis is far from over. As of now, 22 countries are battling active outbreaks, underscoring the ongoing global threat posed by cholera.
CHOLERA VACCINATION STRATEGY: ONE DOSE TO REACH MORE PEOPLE
In the face of a limited stockpile of oral cholera vaccines, health officials implemented a one-dose strategy to maximize vaccine coverage. A record 35 million doses were shipped in 2023, an unprecedented effort to curb the spread of the disease.
However, vaccination alone cannot solve the cholera crisis. Safe water, sanitation, and hygiene practices remain the only sustainable solutions to eradicating cholera in the long term.
WHO’S RESPONSE TO THE CRISIS
In response to the global cholera crisis, WHO has ramped up efforts to prevent further outbreaks and reduce mortality rates. Key components of the agency’s approach include:
- Strengthened public health surveillance: Monitoring cholera outbreaks and identifying high-risk areas is crucial for timely intervention.
- Improved case management: Ensuring that those infected receive prompt treatment is key to reducing deaths, especially in vulnerable communities.
- Prevention measures: WHO is focusing on preventive actions, including promoting clean water and sanitation practices, to reduce the spread of cholera.
- Distribution of medical supplies: The UN agency continues to supply essential medicines and tools to countries struggling with cholera outbreaks.
THE ROAD AHEAD: ADDRESSING GAPS IN HEALTH SYSTEMS
Despite WHO’s efforts, the increase in cholera deaths and cases reveals deep-rooted challenges in global health systems. Many of the hardest-hit regions face ongoing political instability, economic hardship, and environmental degradation—all of which make addressing cholera outbreaks even more difficult.
The sharp rise in community deaths emphasizes the importance of improving access to healthcare, particularly in rural and conflict-affected areas. Strengthening healthcare infrastructure is essential for ensuring that those affected by cholera receive the necessary treatment, preventing avoidable deaths.
LONG-TERM SOLUTIONS: WATER, SANITATION, AND HYGIENE
While vaccines are a crucial tool in fighting cholera, long-term solutions lie in improving water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions. Without access to clean drinking water and proper sanitation, cholera will continue to spread.
Governments and international organizations must prioritize investment in WASH infrastructure. In addition to preventing cholera, improved WASH conditions will protect communities from a range of waterborne diseases and improve overall public health outcomes.
URGENT ACTION NEEDED TO COMBAT CHOLERA
The WHO’s latest report on the global cholera crisis paints a grim picture. With a 71% rise in deaths and continued outbreaks in 2024, urgent action is needed to combat the spread of cholera. Investment in clean water, sanitation, and hygiene, alongside vaccination efforts, will be key to reducing cases and preventing future outbreaks.
WHO remains committed to working with affected countries, but the scale of the crisis requires a coordinated global effort. Addressing the underlying causes of cholera outbreaks—poverty, displacement, and poor infrastructure—will be essential for ending this deadly disease once and for all.