WHO Warns of Rising Global Cholera Threat in 2024

The World Health Organization (WHO) reports a significant rise in cholera cases and deaths in 2024, with infections up 5% and fatalities increasing by 50% compared to 2023, surpassing 6,000 deaths. Cholera, caused by Vibrio cholerae and spread through contaminated water, remains concentrated in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia, accounting for 98% of cases. Sixty countries reported outbreaks in 2024, up from 45 the previous year, with 12 nations recording over 10,000 cases each.

WHO highlights worsening health system gaps, with Africa’s case fatality rate climbing to 1.9% and a quarter of deaths occurring outside health facilities. The agency urges urgent action, including improved access to clean water, hygiene facilities, treatment, and vaccines. Despite the addition of Euvichol-S to the global stockpile, demand for oral cholera vaccines still exceeds supply. WHO continues to classify global cholera risk as “very high” and is intensifying outbreak response efforts.

15-09-2025