News | Infectious Diseases | Cholera
WHO report shows Africa recorded a 125% surge in Cholera cases in 2023 as global death toll rose by 71%
Time to read: 01:45 mins
Type of article: News
MedED Catalogue Reference: MNC003
Category: News
Category Cross-reference: Infectious Diseases
Keywords: WHO, cholera, global burden of diseases, CDC
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16 September 2024
Source: WHO Press Release, 4th September 2024
The latest Global Cholera Statistics report, released by the World Health Organization (WHO), showed a 13% increase in global cholera cases for the 2023 period and a staggering 71% rise in deaths— 4,000 fatalities —recorded in 2023 compared to 2022. Cholera was reported in 45 countries, up from 44 in 2022 and 35 in 2021, with 38% of cases affecting children under five.
The geographical spread of cholera has shifted significantly. Africa experienced a 125% surge in cases, while the Middle East and Asia saw a 32% decrease. Major outbreaks, with over 10,000 cases, occurred in Afghanistan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Malawi, and Somalia, with Ethiopia, Haiti, Mozambique, and Zimbabwe also heavily affected.
Though fewer cases have been reported in 2024 so far compared to last year, cholera remains a serious global threat: 342,800 cases and 2,400 deaths have been recorded across 22 countries, with active outbreaks by 22 August.
Africa’s rising cholera burden is attributed to conflict, climate change, poverty, and limited access to clean water. Many deaths occurred outside healthcare facilities, underscoring the region’s ongoing challenges with healthcare access. The WHO has mobilized US$ 18 million since 2022 but still faces a funding shortfall as vaccine shortages persist.
The organisation considers the global risk from cholera to be very high.
Access the report
Global Cholera Statistic, 2023 World Health Organization (PDF)
Access the original press release
4th September 2024| WHO | Data show marked increase in annual cholera deaths
Access all Cholera Outbreak Resources and Information
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