In 2024, three devastating diseases—dengue, cholera, and mpox (child-killer diseases)—reached alarming levels, threatening global health, especially in vulnerable communities. These diseases are resurgent due to climate change, conflicts, and weakened health systems, according to Save the Children. Without stronger global attention, the situation with child-killer diseases could worsen in 2025.
Over 13,600 deaths, including many children, were linked to these child-killer diseases this year. Cases of dengue and mpox reached record highs, signaling urgent concerns. Cholera, although slightly reduced in total cases, saw a shocking 126% rise in deaths compared to last year.
DENGUE FEVER: A GLOBAL CRISIS
Dengue fever hit unprecedented numbers in 2024. With 13.3 million cases, the disease more than doubled from 6.5 million the last year. Experts point to urbanization, climate change, and rising temperatures as driving forces behind the spread. The World Health Organization (WHO) now estimates that 4 billion people are at risk of dengue. They predict that number will climb to 5 billion by 2050.
CHOLERA’S DEADLY TOLL
Cholera also surged this year, with nearly half a million cases reported. As of September, 3,432 deaths were recorded due to these child-killer diseases. Despite a 16% reduction in cases, the death toll has risen dramatically. The WHO attributes the spike to outbreaks in conflict zones and regions ravaged by floods. These areas face significant barriers to accessing healthcare and clean water.
MPOX: A NEW THREAT TO CHILDREN
Mpox, which became a public health emergency in August 2024, saw a major resurgence, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. The virus has claimed many lives, with children making up a significant part of the deaths. A new strain of the virus (one of the child-killer diseases) is referred to as a ‘clade’. It has particularly affected children. This intensifies fears about its spread and impact.
PERSONAL IMPACT: BEAUTY’S STORY
Beauty, a 17-year-old from Lusaka, Zambia, has firsthand experience with the devastation of cholera. “My father had to stop work, and my mother, a teacher, also had to halt her job,” she said. The outbreak placed immense financial pressure on her family, but she remains hopeful. “Access to clean water is key to preventing these diseases,” she adds.
THE NEED FOR STRONGER HEALTH SYSTEMS
Dr. Revati Phalkey, Director of Global Health and Nutrition at Save the Children, calls for urgent global investment in healthcare systems. She highlighted the reality that half of the world’s population lacks access to essential health services. “We need robust health systems capable of delivering vaccines and responding to health emergencies like mpox,” Dr. Phalkey emphasized.
PNEUMONIA REMAINS THE LEADING CHILD KILLER
Pneumonia continues to be the leading cause of death among children under 5 from child-killer diseases. This is despite the headlines surrounding dengue, cholera, and mpox. Yet, global deaths from pneumonia dropped significantly from 693,000 in 2019 to 502,000 in 2021. This reduction was largely due to the impact of COVID-19 restrictions that curtailed the spread of respiratory infections. Nonetheless, experts warn that the climate crisis will likely cause a resurgence in respiratory diseases like pneumonia. It will disproportionately affect the most vulnerable children.
VULNERABILITIES OF CHILDREN TO DISEASE
Children face heightened risks when it comes to these diseases. They are particularly vulnerable to dengue because their immune systems are weaker. Their outdoor activities also expose them to mosquitoes. Children under five are especially at risk of severe dehydration and shock from dengue. Cholera, likewise, has a devastating impact on young children. It is particularly dangerous for those under five who face a high risk of death from dehydration during outbreaks of child-killer diseases.
THE SERIOUS THREAT OF MPOX IN CHILDREN
Mpox, while often causing mild symptoms in adults, can be deadly for children. Symptoms include fever, rashes, and painful lesions, and some children experience severe respiratory issues. If untreated, mpox can lead to sepsis, which is life-threatening and requires immediate medical intervention. In areas with limited healthcare access, the risks of these child-killer diseases are magnified.
THE URGENT NEED FOR ACTION
The world is facing a resurgence of these child-killer diseases. Save the Children urges immediate action to address the root causes. This includes investing in health infrastructure, improving water sanitation, and ensuring access to vaccines and medicines. The organization’s efforts to provide healthcare and education on disease prevention are vital in the fight to protect children globally.